Bangkok’s New Flat Fare Train Policy for Thais only starts 30 September 2025
Bangkok’s New Flat Fare Train Policy Excludes Foreigners, Even Long-Term Residents Starting 30 September 2025, Thais will benefit from a new flat fare policy that caps electric train fares at 20 baht per trip, regardless of the distance.
To take advantage of this offer, commuters must register through the government’s “Tang Rat” (ทางรัฐ) mobile application, with registration set to open in August 2025.
The policy will initially cover eight electric train lines: the Red, Purple, Green, Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Gold Lines, along with the Airport Rail Link (ARL). However, only passengers who register via the app and use either a contactless EMV card or a registered Rabbit card will qualify for the discounted fare.
Foreign tourists and those who have not registered will continue to pay regular rates.
Importantly, this initiative is exclusively for Thai citizens.
Eligibility requires registration through the “Tang Rat” app using a Thai national ID card.
Identity verification must be completed via facial recognition or through approved alternatives, such as 7-Eleven counters, Thai Post branches, Boonterm kiosks, multi-purpose government service machines, or the ThaID app (IDTechWire).
Initially, due to limited system integration, passengers might need to use two different cards when switching lines.
EMV cards will be valid on six lines—Red, ARL, Blue, Purple, Pink, and Yellow—while the Rabbit card will work on four lines: Green, Gold, Pink, and Yellow.
Despite the inconvenience, the fare will remain capped at 20 baht for registered users.
The fare cap policy stems from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s push to ease cost-of-living pressures.
The government is also developing a Central Clearing House system to track cross-line travel and properly compensate operators. This is being spearheaded by the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) and is expected to be completed soon.
By the end of 2026, the system will be upgraded to allow QR code payments via the app, reducing reliance on physical cards and simplifying access across all lines.
Soirce: Thai Train Guide on twitter
