Thailand's Joint Ticketing Law Faces Subordinate Regulation Delay Amid Public Consultation Extensions

Key summary

The Ministry of Transport in Thailand reported to the Cabinet on October 20, 2569 (2024), that subordinate regulations under the Joint Ticketing System Administration Act B.E. 2568 cannot be finalized by the original deadline of June 25, 2569. The delay stems from a requirement by the Law Development Commission to extend public consultation periods from 15 days to 30 days and to include feedback stages at both the principle and draft levels. Consequently, the Ministry has completed drafts for 20 subordinate regulations and aims to finalize all within 2569 (2024). The Act, passed following a Cabinet resolution on June 23, 2569, establishes a unified fare system and integrates management of public transport projects previously handled by three agencies: the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the Metropolitan Mass Transit Authority (MMA), and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Under the new framework, MMA will manage rail projects comprehensively via PPP Gross Cost contracts, while SRT and BMA will transfer ownership of the Green, Gold, and Red lines. The Office of the Council of Legal Affairs advised the Cabinet that approval could proceed but urged the Ministry to accelerate regulation issuance to ensure efficient administration without compromising legal enforceability. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn emphasized that the reform aims to reduce living costs through integrated fares, specifically capping the initial entry fee at 17 baht and per-trip fares at 45 baht, while facilitating seamless travel across trains, buses, and ferries using a single payment medium.