MRTA & 20 Baht Train: Opposition Accusations
Bangkok Commuters Could Soon See Unified Ticketing, But Funding Debate Looms
Bangkok, Thailand – Commuters in Bangkok could soon be navigating the city’s complex rail network with a single ticket, thanks to the passage of three key pieces of legislation through the House of Representatives. However, a debate over funding mechanisms threatens to delay the implementation of the long-awaited unified ticketing system and a proposed flat fare policy.
On August 27, 2025, Members of Parliament Surachet Prawetwongwut and Supanat Minchai Nun, representing the People’s Party, addressed the press following the triumphant passage of the Rail Transport Act, the joint Ticket Management Act, and amendments to the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Act.
Surachet emphasized the meaning of these legislative victories, particularly the Joint Ticket Management Act, for realizing the goverment’s flagship policy of a flat 20 baht fare across all rail lines. While the government initially aimed to implement this policy within three months, it has faced delays, with the latest target set for October 1, 2025.”The Joint Ticket Act is crucial for making travel easier for everyone,” Surachet stated. “The core principle is a single card usable across all public transportation, eliminating the need for multiple tickets or app registrations.”
He further clarified the People’s Party’s vision for fare integration, advocating for a “joint fare” system ranging from 8 to 45 baht, encompassing both train and bus travel. This approach,he argued,is supported by the structure of the Joint Ticket Act.
Though, the MRTA Act has become a point of contention. The People’s Party expressed strong disagreement with Section 8, wich proposes utilizing MRTA funds to finance the fare subsidies. They argue this approach risks violating financial discipline.”We disagreed with the method of dipping into MRTA funds, risking financial instability,” Surachet explained. Despite their opposition, the government’s majority allowed the passage of all three acts, providing them with the necessary tools to implement the unified ticketing system.
Surachet raised two critical questions: “When will the government’s flagship policies be implemented, given the delays? And will they proceed according to all three acts?” He emphasized that implementing all three acts would benefit commuters by enabling a single card for seamless travel and discounts on both bus and train fares.
Supanat Minchai Nun echoed Surachet’s sentiments, reaffirming the people’s Party’s support for fare subsidies and joint ticketing. He highlighted that the People’s Party’s proposed shared ticket system is more comprehensive than previous cabinet proposals, particularly in its inclusion of bus services.
Supanat placed the blame for the delays squarely on the government, citing a lack of early planning and a belated consideration of funding sources. he pointed out that the Bank of Thailand completed its review in april, while the government only convened the MRTA meeting in May, after nearly two years of inaction.
“The government stumbled on its own legs,” Supanat asserted. “These delays are not caused by the people’s Party,but the government is responsible.”
The delays have already had tangible consequences, with some operators reportedly canceling monthly ticket options, impacting commuters who rely on affordable fares. The government now faces the challenge of addressing these issues and adhering to a clear timeline to deliver on its promise of a unified and affordable public transportation system for Bangkok.