Bangkok: 'Monporn', Deputy Minister of Transport, has emphasized that the 20-baht flat-rate electric train system will not rely on taxes from other regions, as Bangkok contributes the most to the national tax revenue, accounting for 48-49%. The Deputy Minister is preparing to present the Joint Ticket Act and the Rail Transport Department Act to parliament next month, alongside fast-tracking the land bridge project that will connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
According to Thai News Agency, the MCOT Public Company Limited recently hosted a seminar titled 'Unlocking Thailand Future, Fighting the Global Crisis' at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Ms. Manop Jareonsri, Deputy Minister of Transport, discussed the 20-baht flat-rate electric train policy during the event. She highlighted that the Pheu Thai Party government has been committed to this initiative since Mr. Settha Thavisin's tenure as Prime Minister and is determined to continue under Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra. The Ministry of Transport is focused on reducing the cost of living, decreasing expenses, and expanding opportunities by advancing the 20-baht flat-rate electric train project across all routes. Amendments to three related laws-the Rail Transport Act, the MRTA Act, and the Joint Ticket Act-are in progress and scheduled for submission to the House of Representatives in August.
The 20-baht flat-rate electric train policy aims to reduce inequality, with the Ministry of Transport considering the needs of citizens in both urban and rural areas. The project is designed not to utilize tax revenue from across the country solely for Bangkok residents. An analysis of the government's tax revenue for 2024 shows that Bangkok generates the highest tax income at 48-49%, significantly more than other provinces.
In addition to the train project, the Ministry is planning to introduce electric buses in Bangkok to provide residents with new transportation options and address air quality issues. Ms. Manop further stated that for Thailand to achieve sustainable growth, the nation must accelerate infrastructure development. The Land Bridge project, which will link the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, is expected to drive the Thai economy towards sustainable growth. This initiative will span four provinces: Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, capitalizing on the low cost of sea transportation to enhance Thailand's competitive edge. The project includes the construction of a deep-sea port and a dual-track railway, with a total investment of 1 trillion baht, and an initial phase costing 500 billion baht.
Moreover, plans are underway to extend the dual-track railway from Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai to connect with Laos and China, as well as expedite the construction of a three-airport railway to bolster the country's competitiveness. The development of rail and air transport infrastructure is anticipated to unlock sustainable economic growth for Thailand.