Thailand is moving ahead with plans to introduce a common-ticket system for electric rail services across Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, with fares capped at 45 baht per journey from January 1, 2027.
Under the proposed fare structure, passengers would pay an initial charge of no more than 17 baht, while the total fare across participating lines would not exceed 45 baht. Those transferring between services would pay the initial charge only once.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed the plan was progressing following the Common Ticketing System Policy Committee’s second meeting of 2026, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the preparations required to keep the policy on schedule under the Common Ticketing System Management Act B.E. 2568 (2025). These include supporting regulations, operating requirements, technical standards and oversight measures.
The committee instructed regulators to begin discussions with private rail operators over the installation of EMV card readers, which would allow passengers to pay fares using compatible contactless bank cards.
Talks will also address how revenue should be distributed if ridership exceeds the annual growth estimates submitted by operators.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing preparations for a Central Clearing House, which will collect, settle and allocate fare revenue among participating rail companies.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning has been directed to accelerate the drafting of a Transport Ministry announcement establishing licensing requirements for the organisation responsible for operating the clearing house.
Officials will also consult the Finance Ministry on the structure and selection process for the central organisation that will perform the role under the common-ticket law.
The necessary legal and administrative arrangements are expected to be finalised by November 2026. Testing of the EMV payment system is scheduled to begin the following month, ahead of the planned launch on January 1, 2027.
