BANGKOK, Thailand – Commuters can register for Bangkok’s 20-baht flat-rate train fare starting August 25, 2025, via the “Tang Rat” application, ahead of the policy’s official launch on October 1, 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced the registration details for the fare cap policy. To be eligible, Thai nationals must register using their 13-digit national ID number, a credit or debit card, and their registered Rabbit Card. Those who do not register will pay the standard fare. The minister expressed confidence that the registration system will handle the traffic, citing that its design is similar to the “Digital Wallet” system, which successfully managed over 18 million users. Registration will remain open indefinitely.
The policy will cover eight lines and thirteen routes across Bangkok and its vicinity, encompassing 194 stations and a total distance of 276.84 kilometers, with officials anticipating a ridership increase of at least 20 percent.
Initially, commuters can use a Rabbit Card on the Green, Gold, Yellow, and Pink lines. EMV Contactless cards, such as Visa or Mastercard from participating banks, will be accepted on the Red, Blue, Purple, Pink, Yellow, and Airport Rail Link lines.
This may require travelers to carry two cards for cross-line journeys in the first phase, but the fare will remain capped at 20 Thai baht. Future developments include integrating QR code payments for greater convenience.
This initiative is a flagship policy of the Pheu Thai party-led government and the Ministry of Transport, aimed at reducing travel costs, improving access to public transportation, and lowering traffic congestion, accidents, and air pollution. (NNT)
