BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has launched its long-awaited “20-Baht Flat Fare” electric train policy, allowing unlimited travel across all lines in Bangkok and surrounding areas for just 20 baht per ride. Registration for the program opened today (Aug 25) via the “Thang Rath” application. The policy covers 13 routes and 194 stations across the entire electric rail network, with no restrictions on eligibility or registration period for Thai citizens.
To participate, users must register using their 13-digit national ID number. There is no limit to the number of participants, and the scheme guarantees open access to all registered individuals. The campaign is expected to help reduce living expenses, especially for commuters in the capital and nearby provinces who may currently spend several hundred baht on daily transportation.
To ensure long-term implementation, the Ministry of Transport has proposed three supporting legislative bills. The Rail Transport Act has already passed its second and third readings in the House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Act and the Common Ticketing System Management Act, currently being reviewed, are expected to be finalized soon.
Once enacted, these laws will support a unified ticketing system across all rail lines. The Common Ticketing Act, in particular, is intended to streamline fare collection, improve connectivity between routes, and enhance the overall system efficiency. The government projects a 20% increase in daily ridership, up from the current 1.7 million passengers, as more commuters shift to affordable rail transit.
Further details about the policy and a registration guide are available at https://dg.th/20baht. (NNT)
