Thailand Revamps Joint Ticketing Plan; Subsidy Measures Proposed for 2027

Key summary

The Ministry of Transport in Thailand has revised the timeline for its 'Joint Ticketing System' to a five-year period from 2026 to 2031, pending the enactment of secondary regulations under the Joint Ticketing System Administration Act B.E. 2568 (2025). In the interim, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is proposing a fare subsidy scheme for eight rail lines in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with fares ranging from 17 to 45 baht per trip. The proposal includes a daily pass for 40 baht on the Red and Purple lines. A budget of 5,850 million baht for the fiscal year 2030 is being requested from the Cabinet, scheduled for approval on October 26, 2026. This budget covers subsidies for eight lines totaling 5,785 million baht and a refund fee of 65 million baht to citizens. Specific subsidy allocations include 148.59 million baht for the Red Line, 111.04 million baht for Airport Rail Link, 1,293.25 million baht for the Blue Line, 235.93 million baht for the Purple Line, 164.21 million baht for the Yellow Line, 350.07 million baht for the Pink Line, 3,468.98 million baht for the Green Line, and 12.09 million baht for the Gold Line. Deputy Minister Siripong Angkulsakulkeat stated that the joint ticketing principle applies to Thai citizens registered via the 'Peapod' app using EMV Contactless cards. The current system supports EMV on the Red, Purple, Blue, and Airport Rail Link lines; Green and Gold lines require system upgrades as they primarily use Rabbit cards. The 17-45 baht measure is temporary, running from January 1, 2030 to December 31, 2030, preceding the full joint ticketing system expected in 2031. Full implementation requires transferring management of all lines to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), including current Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and State Railway of Thailand operations. Data on passenger numbers and revenue will be collected for six months post-implementation to inform future revenue-sharing negotiations with operators.