The Consumer Council of Thailand has lodged a petition with the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) opposing the recent fare hike on the BTS Green Line extensions, where rates have increased from a flat 15 baht to a distance-based system ranging from 17 to 45 baht.
The petition was formally received by Netiphum Mingrujiralai, deputy chair of the BMC, on behalf of chairperson Wiphut Sriwaurai. The council pledged to forward the complaint to relevant committees and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for further consideration.
The new fare structure, which came into effect on Saturday, applies to three major extensions: Mo Chit–Khu Khot, Bang Chak–Samut Prakan, and Pho Nimit–Bang Wa.
Under the revised system, passengers travelling along these routes will now pay between 17 and 45 baht depending on distance, or up to 65 baht per trip if crossing between the main concession line and its extensions.
Consumer representatives warned that more than 380,000 daily commuters, especially suburban workers travelling into central Bangkok, will be hit hardest. Many are expected to face fare increases of as much as 200%, or roughly triple their previous travel costs.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt defended the fare adjustment, saying it was necessary because the BMA had been absorbing annual losses exceeding 6 billion baht to maintain the 15-baht flat rate.
He said the city spends around 8 billion baht each year on operating costs but collects only about 2 billion baht in fare revenue. “The city cannot continue using taxpayers’ money to cover such deficits,” Mr. Chadchart said.
The governor added that the revised fare system is not connected to Bangkok’s outstanding debt with its private concessionaire. Instead, he described it as part of a broader structural reform to align ticket prices with actual operating costs.
