The Ministry of Transport is preparing to propose to the Cabinet to proceed with train fares ranging from 17 to 45 baht on all lines of every color. Starting 1 Jan 2027, conditions reveal Thai citizens must pay full fare first, then the government refunds the difference via the Paotang app, emphasizing no impact on existing concessions.
Mr. Siripong Angkasunkulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, disclosed progress on the implementation of the unified ticketing system. Under the Unified Ticketing System Management Act B.E. 2568 (2025), the government affirms it will proceed with the measure to set fares between 17 and 45 baht across all train lines. Effective 1 January 2027, the Ministry of Transport plans to propose a central budget allocation of 5,000-5,800 million baht to the Cabinet for approval by early November, to support this fare policy. This is a short-term policy aimed at reducing living costs for citizens and encouraging public transport use. The government will not interfere with the existing concession terms or mechanisms of private operators.
Regarding the implementation of the fare policy, the government will require passengers to pay the full fare upfront, then the state will refund the difference to passengers later through the Paotang application. The choice to refund via Paotang aims primarily to restrict benefits to Thai citizens only; foreign passengers will not receive discounts under this measure.
Regarding payment system development, the Ministry of Transport is in discussions with Krungthai Bank to ensure smooth integration, dividing the approach into two cases:
Both cases are short-term measures during the transition period (expected to take 6 months to 1 year) before upgrading all train card readers to fully support EMV in the long term.
Mr. Siripong added that negotiations with private concessionaires, such as Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) operating the Green Line and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) operating the Blue Line, have progressed with no objections. This is because the measure does not alter the original fare structure. Private operators will continue to receive revenue under normal concession terms.
However, if passenger numbers increase after implementing the 17-45 baht fare policy, and considering business realities, actual figures will be used in further negotiations with concessionaires. The full development of a unified ticketing system connecting with other public transport modes, such as buses, will be considered in future plans.
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