The government is advancing the integration of all electric train lines with fares capped at 45 baht. If fares exceed this rate, the government will refund the difference through the “Pao Tang” app or the travel card account. Installation of EMV Contactless systems is underway, with a start date of 1 January 2027.
On 19 September 2026, Ms. Ploytale Laksamisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that the government’s policy focuses on reducing public transportation costs for citizens and enhancing convenience in connecting between systems to encourage greater use of public transport.
Ms. Ploytale stated that the policy steering committee for setting electric train fares to ease citizens’ living costs, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, approved measures establishing a maximum fare of 45 baht per trip without duplicate entry fees for transfers between electric train lines. This applies across all train networks within Bangkok and the metropolitan area.
The committee is preparing both systems and equipment, as well as business conditions, designating EMV Contactless as the primary payment method, covering credit cards, debit cards, and Mangmoom cards. They are expediting installation and upgrades of equipment in the electric train system to support official implementation targeted for 1 January 2027. Additionally, relevant agencies have been instructed to quickly develop systems and equipment, establish fare calculation and refund criteria, set passenger rights protection measures, handle complaints, and conduct joint system testing before the official launch to ensure the policy’s efficiency and maximum benefit to the public.
“Initially, fares will be charged based on actual travel distance. If the fare exceeds the 45 baht maximum, the government will refund the difference to passengers via the “Pao Tang” app or the travel card account within three business days, according to established criteria,” Ms. Ploytale said.