Thai Cabinet Reviews Rail Fare Proposals; Rabbit Cards May Join Refund Scheme

Key summary

The Thai Cabinet is scheduled to review three rail fare proposals on October 26, including the transfer of electric rail management, an extension of the 40-baht daily fare until December 31, 2027, and a request for a 5.8 billion baht budget ceiling for a one-year fare reimbursement trial in 2027. Siripong indicated that Rabbit cards could join the planned fare-refund scheme if they receive international certification. Regarding child passengers, those aged 7 to 15 are eligible for Mangmoom rail cards but require parental verification to link their cards to Paotang accounts for refund management, a system being discussed between the ministry and Krungthai Bank. Data reported by Pichet Kunadhamraks shows that following fare measure introductions, the Red Line experienced an 89% rise in journeys and a 212% increase in revenue by the end of August 2026, while the Purple Line saw a 135% increase in journeys and a 275% hike in revenue. Both lines averaged over 37,000 daily contactless journeys with an overall increase of 121.54%. Siripong expressed confidence in completing the common-ticketing framework by the end of the trial period.