Bangkok is set to implement a flat fare of 20 baht across its entire commuter rail network by 30 September 2025, according to Transport Ministry statements. The initiative aims to make daily travel more affordable for Thai citizens while streamlining fare collection across the capital’s mass-transit systems.
The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and related agencies, is currently finalising legal amendments necessary for the change. These include updates to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Act and the Common Ticketing System Management Act. These changes will establish a financial mechanism to offset revenue losses for private and public operators under the single-fare policy.
Authorities estimate around 8 billion baht in annual subsidies will be needed, primarily sourced from MRTA’s existing profits and the national central budget. The finance ministry has signalled its commitment to funding the compensation scheme.
To qualify for the flat-rate fare, passengers will need to register using the Tang Rat mobile application and possess a Thai national ID with a 13-digit identification number. Foreign nationals and expats will continue to pay distance-based fares where they exceed the 20-baht threshold. The registration process is expected to begin in August, with users linking their existing fare cards through the app.
The unified fare will cover all metro lines regardless of operator or route, replacing the current pricing structure where fares range from 15 to 62 baht depending on the system. The scheme is already in place on the Red and Purple lines, with expansion now proceeding as scheduled.
Further implementation details were discussed in recent meetings attended by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and officials from relevant government departments. Tang Rat will also act as a clearing system to ensure proportional revenue distribution among different operators.
