No more MRT physical stored value ticket?

[drkenchso]

your advice on my problem much appreciated:

i have good impression of MRT until 17 February 2025, i lost my physical stored value ticket card and went to an MRT ticket counter to buy a new one, the female counter staff asked if i had a bank account (for top up?)and that i had to download the MRT app and register for use instead. It seems MRT has stopped use of physical stored value card once and for all, or at least she did not sell the stored value ticket to me (that's my understanding as she could barely speak english, and i barely speak Thai).

In order not to keep the long queue behind me waiting, i left the queue, went to buy a single trip ticket, went home, and tried to figure out how to register. It turned out that i can't as i do not have any one of the three documents that registion requires:

work permit, a Thai ID card (citizen or foreigner) or driving licence.
i only have a foreign passport and stay in Thailand with one year visa, but registration does not include this option!

i bet there are many foreigners including tourists in same odd situation like me: no work permit, no driving licence, no Thai ID, well, immigration allow them stay visa exempt or visa extension few months to one year, is it incovenient to require them queueing up to buy single use ticket every time? isn't it queueing time better spent by them for shopping and consumption for Thailand economy?

(actually previously i also forced to give up TRUE card renewal as there is no passport registration option, same for LINEPAY, but TRUE and LINEPAY not as important as not having an MRT stored value card)

Then on 20 February, i tried to phone the MRT Information Service Centre 0-2624-5200, on and off for more than half an hour in total but always told customer service officer was too busy, once i waited 20minutes continuously but no one answered call. i knew from previous experience with TRUE is that they just tell you they are sorry but sorry not able to change policy, but i just wish to clarify MRT no longer issue physical stored value ticket and that passengers can only use the virtual ticket (the app), or buy single use ticket each time.

i really hope i can rebuild my goodwill pretty soon

[garygooner]

Maybe they are not issuing new cards.

I did read recently that plans were underway to have a new card that can be used on the MRT, BTS & public buses. Didn't say when this would be however. 

 

[FritsSikkink]

3 hours ago, drkenchso said:

your advice on my problem much appreciated:

i have good impression of MRT until 17 February 2025, i lost my physical stored value ticket card and went to an MRT ticket counter to buy a new one, the female counter staff asked if i had a bank account (for top up?)and that i had to download the MRT app and register for use instead.

You don't need a bank account to top up, I do it with cash all the time.

Did you have your passport with you, as you do need that to get a card.

[garygooner]

I Googled this and someone on Reddit 3 months ago said foreigners can no longer have a new card. Only locals can. Foreigners now need to down the MRT app and register. No idea if this is true. 

[HampiK]

Why not using a VISA card. As this is the easiest way on MRT.

Even I still hope for one card for all public transportation would be great. But I not believe in that till I see it 😞.

[Upnotover]

That was fun.  I just tried.  Did all the KYC stuff, passed with flying colours.  But, the last step, scan your existing MRT card.  My card has no QR to scan nor a 12 digit number to enter manually.  Fail.

 

Maybe I'll have a word when I'm next on the MRT.  Meanwhile try not to lose my card!