The Ministry of Transport is accelerating the "buyback of electric train concessions," supporting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to manage under a Single Ownership model. They are introducing a fund-based model and new concessions to solve the major issue of avoiding an increase in public debt, pushing for full integrated ticketing. They plan to submit the proposal to the Cabinet on 9 December 2025 to approve the principles as a starting point for the next government to continue.
8 Dec 2025 GMT+7 - Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that he has assigned the Ministry of Finance to lead discussions with the Department of Rail Transport, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and related agencies on funding sources and the approach to buying back the electric train concessions in a way that does not impact public debt. Initially, they will seek approval of the principles for this operation from the Cabinet meeting on 9 December 2025 as a starting point to begin the process of buying back the electric train concessions, since the conclusion is not expected within this government’s term.
Mr. Pipat added that no specific timeline has been set for reaching a conclusion because further study will take considerable time and negotiations with the private concessionaires must be completed; otherwise, integrated ticketing cannot be realized. Initially, MRTA will be assigned to manage the electric train projects comprehensively (Single Ownership), with approval already from the Land Traffic Management Committee. When the concessions are bought back, they will be under MRTA’s supervision to achieve unity and enable the integrated ticketing system.
“We have preliminarily discussed with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) and Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC), operators of the BTS Skytrain’s Green Line and the Pink and Yellow Lines, who have no objections. However, from a business perspective, price negotiations must ensure fairness so no party is disadvantaged. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also has no objections but requests negotiations for a fair price.” Mr. Pipat said.
However, the major challenge in buying back the concession from private companies without affecting public debt includes the funding sources. Initially, two approaches are considered: 1) raising funds by issuing bonds to investors, similar to the Infrastructure Fund for Thailand’s Future (TFFIF), and 2) granting a new 30-year concession to a private entity, which can then use the concession as collateral to secure loans from financial institutions. The concessionaires have requested time to review the details.
The 40-baht all-day fare measure is considered a starting point for a future integrated ticketing system. It allows passengers using EMV cards like Visa or Mastercard debit or credit cards to pay a fare of 42 baht, with 2 baht refunded within three business days, effectively paying 40 baht for unlimited travel on two pilot lines throughout the day. For those without EMV cards, passengers can purchase travel cards at Purple Line stations, which function similarly to debit cards.
“This policy aims to reduce travel expenses for regular commuters, especially those making more than two trips per day, such as parents traveling multiple times to drop off and pick up children. Previously paying about 80 baht daily, they will now pay only 40 baht, averaging 10 baht per trip, saving up to half. The government aims for this measure to be the starting point for integrating fare systems across all electric train lines in Bangkok and adjacent areas.” Mr. Pipat said.
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