The Transport Ministry has asked Cabinet for about 5.8 billion baht to fund a 45-baht cap across eight Bangkok rail lines.
Why it matters: without this money, the 1 January 2027 start can’t happen.
Background The 45-baht rail fare cap
Bangkok's train lines have different operators, so changing lines means paying a new fare. In June 2026 the Cabinet backed the principles of a common-fare plan: 17 baht to get on, and no more than 45 baht for a journey across lines. Riders would still pay full fare at the gate, and the government would refund anything above the cap to Thai nationals registered on the Paotang app who pay with a contactless bank card. Rabbit cards aren't accepted for now, and foreigners pay normal fares. The target start is 1 January 2027, and the plan still needs Cabinet funding.
