Bangkok: The anticipated implementation of the 20 baht flat-rate electric train fare may face a delay, with expectations now set for October 1st. This follows a decision by the Council of State to reject the central budget subsidy, necessitating the passage of three key laws beforehand.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Manoporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, explained that the legislative review of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act, the Common Ticket Management Act, and the Rail Transport Act, alongside the necessary subsidiary laws, may postpone the enactment of the fare scheme. These laws require approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the legislative process expected to take approximately one month, potentially pushing the implementation to November.
The delay impacts the Red Line and Purple Line, which had already adopted the 20 baht fare measure. Initially, the Cabinet resolved for these lines to conclude their fare measure by September 30, 2025, aligning with the broader scheme from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Consequently, the Red and Purple Lines will revert to their previous fare rates after September 30, 2025, until the new measure can be implemented.
The Council of State rejected the Ministry of Transport's request for a budget to compensate electric train operators, citing a lack of urgency. The Ministry of Transport is urged to expedite its legislative efforts to meet the government's announcement of a maximum 20 baht fare by October 1, 2025.
Ongoing registration for the 20-baht fare scheme has sparked concerns, with requirements including a Thai nationality and a valid electric train system card. Not all cards qualify; Rabbit cards need linking to Rabbit Wallet or Line Pay, and MRT and Spider cards must be new EMV models. Old models necessitate a switch to an EMV card or a registered credit/debit card. VISA/Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted, while VISA/Mastercard debit cards are limited to certain banks, including KTB, Kbank, UOB, Krungsri, and SCB, as tap-to-pay cards.