Bangkok rail fares capped at 20 baht by March 2026

The government is set to implement a 20-baht fare cap across all of Greater Bangkok’s rail network by March 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday.

Suriya confirmed the decision following a meeting with the Common Ticketing System Policy Committee. The committee approved the plan to impose a 20-baht limit on ticket prices throughout Bangkok’s rail network and has instructed all relevant agencies to adhere to this commitment.

This announcement comes after the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Planning (OTP) approved the draft of the Common Ticketing System Management Act.

The minister emphasised that the initiative aims to make the rail network more accessible to all residents of Bangkok.

Following the committee’s recommendations, the OTP will make the necessary changes before the ministry submits the draft to the Cabinet for further review and endorsement.

“The act should be ready by 2025.”

Additionally, the ministry has directed the committee to establish a fund to support the operational development and promotion of the scheme.

Suriya expressed hope that the 20-baht fare cap would be in place by March 2026 to help reduce transportation and living costs for residents.

The meeting also reviewed OTP’s study on various common ticketing systems for Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The study explored different fare structures and fare collection methods, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns.

In other news, Thailand and Laos are poised to inaugurate a new railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for later this month, as announced by the SRT. The initiative is set to improve connectivity for travellers and facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations, positioning Thailand as a key logistics hub in the region.