The Ministry of Transport has partnered with Thai Smile Bus to launch payment of electric bus fares using the State Welfare Card, piloting on 23 routes starting 28 May 2026, aiming to reduce living costs and planning to expand to 124 routes by 15 June 2026.
Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, along with Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport; Mr. Panya Chupanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport; Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport; Ms. Kulpornphat Wongmajarapinya, CEO of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited; and Mr. Sutthirak Phatsapma, Assistant Managing Director of Krungthai Bank, jointly launched the project "State Welfare Card Travel with Thai Smile Bus Electric Buses," kicking off acceptance of fare payment via the State Welfare Card on TSB electric buses at the Ministry of Transport, Ratchadamnoen Road.
, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Transport, has a clear goal to reduce inequality and enhance public transportation access for all citizens. They aim to provide quality public transport with more diverse options. Additionally, they are implementing measures to ease living costs, especially for State Welfare Card holders. Through collaboration with Thai Smile Bus, a capable major operator, the first phase will pilot 23 routes starting from 28 May 2026. They plan to expand to cover 124 routes across Bangkok and its vicinity by 15 June 2026.
, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, added that this cooperation will greatly benefit the public by not only facilitating travel but also reducing daily expenses. It will encourage greater use of clean energy public transport, which will help alleviate traffic congestion and improve urban air quality simultaneously.
, Ms. Kulpornphat, CEO of TSB, assured that as a Thai private company, they appreciate the minister's recognition and opportunity for the private sector to contribute to quality, accessible public transportation services. The company will expedite installation of State Welfare Card payment systems, aiming to cover all service routes by June 2026 to enhance convenience and travel options for passengers effectively.
Passengers can look for signs on buses stating "This bus accepts State Welfare Cards." The simple steps are as follows:
Inform the bus staff of your intention to use the benefit.
Present your ID card to complete payment via the fare collection device.
Fares are calculated based on actual distance, priced at 15, 20, or 25 baht.
The routes where the benefit is available starting 28 May 2026 include:
1-17 (187): Ban Ua Arthorn Khlong 3 - Victory Monument
1-23 (524): Laksi - Bangkok Bus Terminal (Borommaratchachonnani Road)
1-5 (39): Rangsit - Victory Monument
2-4 (30): Wat Paknam Nonthaburi - Southern Bus Terminal (Phra Pinklao)
2-48 (122): Happyland - Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak)
3-15: Bang Phli Housing Estate - Ekkamai BTS Station
3-3 (11): Suan Luang Rama 9 - National Stadium BTS Station
3-37 (12): Thailand Cultural Center - Sanam Chai BTS Station
3-45 (77): Rama 3 - Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal
3-6 (25): Pathumkongka Samutprakarn School - Bangkok Bus Terminal (Ekkamai)
4-1 (6): Phra Pradaeng Pier - Banglamphu
4-10L (42L): Sao Chingcha Circle - Tha Phra (Counterclockwise)
4-13 (75): Phutthabucha - Hua Lamphong
4-21 (120): Samut Sakhon - Ban Khaek Intersection
4-36 (7): Suksa Naree Witthaya School - Hua Lamphong
4-40L (56L): Thonburi Circle - Banglamphu (Counterclockwise)
4-44 (80A): VPor 11 - Suan Luang Rama 8
4-46 (84): Wat Rai Khing - Krung Thonburi BTS Station
4-50 (123): Om Yai - Tha Ratchaworadit
4-63 (547): Ban Ua Arthorn Salaya - Thanon Tok
4-8 (35): Thonburi Housing Estate - Banglamphu
39: Talat Thai - Victory Monument
S3 (559): Rangsit - Suan Siam - Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Expressway)
Additionally, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, stated that the department continues to drive the "Thai Help Thai Plus (60/40)" project to ease travel costs for the public. They invite public transport operators nationwide to participate. Existing operators can confirm their participation through the "Tung Ngern" app until 30 September 2026, while new operators can register at Krungthai Bank until 31 July 2026.
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