The Thai government will seek Cabinet approval on October 26, 2026, to cap electric rail fares at 45 baht per trip across eight lines in Bangkok starting in 2027.
Budget and Scope of the Fare Cap
The Transport Ministry requested a 5.8 billion baht budget ceiling for a one-year trial of the new fare structure. This scheme covers the Red, Airport Rail Link, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Pink, Green, and Gold lines. The primary goal is to eliminate duplicate entry fees when passengers transfer between operators. Under the plan, the initial fare is capped at 17 baht, with a maximum of 45 baht for the entire journey. The ministry emphasizes that this is a spending limit, not a fixed payout, as actual costs depend on passenger volume.
Refund Mechanism and Payment Requirements
Only Thai nationals qualify for the subsidized fares. Registered passengers must pay the standard fare upfront using an EMV-compliant Visa or Mastercard. The difference between the paid amount and the capped fare is refunded to their Paotang digital wallet accounts within three days (T+3). Rabbit cards are currently excluded because their transaction data does not meet international Visa standards. However, officials noted that Rabbit cards could join the system once they obtain the necessary certification. To support this transition, the ministry plans to install additional EMV card readers at Green Line stations.
Ridership Data and Policy Extension
Recent data supports the expansion of fare measures. By the end of August 2026, EMV contactless journeys on the Red and Purple lines increased by 121.54% compared to the previous year. The Red Line saw an 89% rise in daily journeys, while the Purple Line recorded a 135% increase. These figures justify the government’s decision to extend the existing 40-baht daily fare on these two lines until December 31, 2027. The Cabinet will also review the transfer of electric rail management responsibilities to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) as part of the same package.
