Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has officially launched the “Half-Half Plus” program aimed at reducing travel costs across various public transportation modes, including buses, trains, boats, and inter-provincial vehicles. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, announced that this initiative aligns with the government’s policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The program is designed to help citizens alleviate their cost of living and boost purchasing power while supporting the grassroots economy and enhancing the country’s public transportation system. The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all forms of transportation are accessible and affordable, making travel economical, convenient, and equitable for all citizens.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry has also rolled out the “Paotang” application, which facilitates travel across all supervised modes, including urban electric train systems such as the Blue, Purple, Pink, Yellow, and Green lines, along with their extensions, the Red Line, the BTS Skytrain, and the Airport Rail Link. Water transport options include the Chao Phraya Express boat and electric boats in Bangkok, while the bus system encompasses routes operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the Transport Company Limited (BKS), and private bus services approved by the Department of Land Transport. As of October 27, 2025, participating private bus companies include Nakhonchai Air Co., Ltd., Piyarungruang Tour Co., Ltd., Srisuthep Transport Co., Ltd., Rayong Tour Co., Ltd., Nex Express Co., Ltd., and Saeng Boran Co., Ltd., with more companies in the approval pipeline.
Mr. Chaiyatham Promsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, stated that he is implementing directives from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport to expedite the integration of fare payment systems through the “Paotang” app. This effort involves collaboration among various agencies such as the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the Transport Company Limited (BKS), the Marine Department, the Department of Rail Transport, and the Department of Land Transport. The “Half-Half Plus” project exemplifies government-public cooperation to ensure that all journeys receive governmental support, whether by bus, boat, or train, providing consistent benefits across all systems.
Terms and conditions for using the “Half-Half Plus” privilege include validity for single journey cards only. Payment is conducted via the “Paotang” app by scanning a QR code at Tung Ngern shops, with a maximum daily benefit of 200 baht per person. The privilege is available from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.