Starting October 1, 2025, all electric train services in the Greater Bangkok area will implement a flat fare of 20 baht per ride. This policy, approved by Thailand’s Cabinet, is part of a broader effort to ease the cost of living for citizens, reduce the use of private vehicles, and lower urban air pollution.
However, it's important to note that this policy applies exclusively to Thai nationals. Foreigners—including tourists and expatriates—will continue to pay regular fares according to existing regulations.
13 Lines, 194 Stations, One Price
With this unified fare, Thai citizens will have access to all 13 electric train lines operating throughout Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The policy covers the Green, Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Pink, and Gold lines, as well as the Airport Rail Link—spanning over 279 kilometers and 194 stations in total.
Previously, train fares in Bangkok ranged from 15 to 62 baht depending on distance and route. With the flat-rate system in place, passengers will only need to pay 20 baht per trip, regardless of the distance traveled.
More Than Just a Cheap Fare
The Thai government emphasized that this initiative is about more than just affordability. The long-term goal is to shift commuters away from private cars and toward public transportation—reducing traffic congestion, minimizing traffic accidents, and improving air quality, especially levels of PM2.5, which have long been a concern in Bangkok.
It is estimated that the policy could save the country up to 10 billion baht annually through reduced fuel consumption, lower traffic-related costs, and more efficient environmental management.
Requirements and Registration Process
To enjoy the 20-baht fare, Thai citizens must first register through the “Tang Rat” app, which will be available starting August 2025. The main requirement is a valid 13-digit national identification number officially registered as a Thai citizen.
After registering, passengers must link a digital payment method, with two available options:
- Rabbit Card: valid on the Green, Yellow, Gold, and Pink lines.
- Contactless EMV cards (debit/credit cards with Mastercard, Visa, or Europay logos): valid on the Red, Blue, Purple, Pink, Yellow lines, and the Airport Rail Link.
The government also announced that, in the future, QR code payment via mobile banking apps will be introduced to offer greater convenience and flexibility.
Who Will Cover the Fare Gap?
With the introduction of a flat fare, a revenue shortfall for transport operators is inevitable. To address this, the government will establish the Integrated Ticketing System Promotion Fund, which will be financed through profits from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and the national budget.
This initiative will be reinforced through amendments to the MRTA Act and the Integrated Ticketing System Management Act, providing a strong legal framework to compensate transport operators such as BTS, MRT, BEM, and SRT.
The Ministry of Finance has also expressed full support for this policy, including the management of budget allocations to cover potential revenue deficits for operators.
From Campaign Promise to Reality
Interestingly, the 20-baht flat fare policy was originally a campaign promise made by the Pheu Thai Party two years ago. Previously, the flat fare only applied to the Purple and Red lines, but starting in October 2025, it will be expanded to the entire Bangkok rail transit system.
This policy stands out as a flagship government program that not only offers economic relief to the public but also brings significant social and environmental benefits.
