The Thai Cabinet has approved a nationwide cap on fares for electric trains operating in Bangkok and neighboring provinces, setting the maximum price at 20 baht for a full trip on each line. The policy, effective October 1, 2025, applies exclusively to Thai nationals and is part of a broader initiative aimed at easing urban travel costs and reducing private car usage.
To qualify for the reduced fare, Thai citizens must register via the government’s “Thang Rath” platform. The registration process requires verification of identity using a national ID card. Registration is scheduled to begin in August, and from October, those registered will be able to use linked debit or credit cards, as well as Rabbit cards, for fare payment.
The fare cap covers a wide range of services including the BTS Green, Gold, Yellow, and Pink lines, the MRT Blue and Purple lines, the Airport Rail Link, and the State Railway of Thailand’s Red Line. It also extends to 13 suburban train routes serving the greater Bangkok area.
According to government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap, a mobile-based QR code payment system is expected to be introduced in the future, enabling commuters to pay fares using smartphones instead of physical cards.
This pricing measure aligns with a campaign promise made by the Pheu Thai Party during the 2023 general elections. Until now, the 20-baht fare had been limited to the Purple and Red lines.
To address potential revenue losses from private operators, including BTS Group, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the MRT, Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM), and the State Railway of Thailand, the government will provide compensation sourced from public funds.
Jirayu added that the capped fare is anticipated to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, helping to lower traffic congestion, decrease the number of road accidents, and mitigate air pollution from transportation emissions.
