Picture courtesy of Brand Inside

 

Thailand's disjointed public transport ticketing system is heading for a revolutionary change after MPs gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to a fresh law aiming to unify fares across the nation's transit networks.

 

In a decisive session led by Chaiya Phromma, First Deputy Speaker of the House, the House of Representatives gave the green light to the Joint Ticket Management Bill after a thorough deliberation of all 54 sections.

 

Upon reaching its third reading, a quorum was established with Chaiya casting a confirming vote.

 

The results were compelling: 384 MPs backed the bill, two abstained, five didn't cast a vote, and none opposed it.

 

"The House has resolved to approve the draft of the Joint Ticket Management Act,” declared officials.

The Council also took into account observations from the parliamentary committee on the bill.

 

An overwhelming 388 MPs backed this, with only two abstaining and one not voting, showcasing robust support for the committee's insights.

 

The Act is set to herald a unified ticketing system, integrating Thailand’s scattered transit services into a single card or platform. Authorities highlight this as a way to simplify travel, cut wait times, and streamline passenger adventures, reported The Thaiger.

 

Picture courtesy of Travel and Leisure Asia

 

Parliament proponents claim this legislation is an essential leap towards modernising Thailand’s transport networks. It coincides with efforts to expand Bangkok's rail and bus systems, underlining an urgent need for a cohesive fare structure.

 

CCritics have long bemoaned the hassle and expense that commuters face because of the disparate ticketing systems operated by various entities. Lawmakers insist the new law will fix those problems and lay a foundation for future transport strategies, according to PPTVHD36.

 

Post-vote, attention shifted to the draft of the Mass Rapid Transit Act of Thailand, which had also cleared its second reading thanks to a special committee review.

 

These legislative efforts are poised to be pivotal in transforming how Thailand’s ever-growing urban population navigates its bustling cities over the next decade.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-28

 

Congratulations. We've been talking about this for 20+ years. Looking forward to it's implementation in let's say 10 years or am I being optimistic?

Great--but no date as to when this will happen, as always.

Why is a law needed, can't they just do it?

Let's see what they do for senior fares...

4 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Let's see what they do for senior fares...

Yesterday I read it only for the Thai, maybe we can get 1 card also but will still pay full price. BTS now not has senior fare for foreigners, mrt has now 

So we will have to wait and see 

21 hours ago, damian said:

Congratulations. We've been talking about this for 20+ years. Looking forward to it's implementation in let's say 10 years or am I being optimistic?

Yes

Mangmoom is ALIVE. Again.

 

 

No mention of money budgeted or timeframes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just buy a purple BTS card &b be done with it!

12 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Just buy a purple BTS card &b be done with it!

Please elaborate

3 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Have a Thai buy a senior rabbit at non-farang station 'for their father'. You can top it up yourself. I've never been hassled. The light is for seniors but just look confident if there is a guard at the table.

 

I myself have only been hassled twice. It helps to have a pink card. NEVER give up your Rabbit! They'll seize it as a matter of course and you'll lose both card & credit.

 

I would ask BTS staff to call the Tourist Police & have me arrested for theft of services or somesuch. Believe me, they'd back off. BTS would not want the headlines & headaches!

Interesting. 

But afaik they sell rabbit cards only if the buyer provides ID of "their father".

I know many people use rabbit cards registered with a different name.

But it certainly would make a bad impression if ever checked.

Still probably a good idea

On 8/30/2025 at 5:01 PM, Lorry said:

Interesting. 

But afaik they sell rabbit cards only if the buyer provides ID of "their father".

I know many people use rabbit cards registered with a different name.

But it certainly would make a bad impression if ever checked.

Still probably a good idea

You're really worried about making a 'good impression'?!? Have you ever seen them check anybody's rabbit card? The worst that can happen is if you're a doofus & let it run out a credit so the machine tells you to 'go to office'.

 

Never asked for ID. Use an out-of-the-way station to start or have a Thai friend buy it.

On 8/28/2025 at 8:52 PM, unblocktheplanet said:

Let's see what they do for senior fares...

Senior Thais, and indeed all Thai citizens (there are some among our members), will soon be able to enjoy capped single journey fares. 

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40054421

 

Sadly, non Thais will not be eligible.

 

Senior purple card fares remain valid.

A post recommending illegal activity was removed. Senior and other concession Rabbit cards are only allowed to be used by the holder, and are not transferable to another person. In the case of Senior Rabbit Cards, only Thai citizens are eligible to use them. Use by non-Thai citizens is illegal.

 

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I should point out that senior fares are only BTS regulations. They have no force in law as they have not been codified. BTS is a private corporation. Many have complained about high fares. Yet the MRT, owned by the BMA, offers senior discount fares to everyone.

 

The Thai constitution guarantees no discrimination for race, nationality, and age. We are all equal.

18 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

 

The Thai constitution guarantees no discrimination for race, nationality, and age. We are all equal.

 

 

Agreed - that the Thai constitution states this... 

 

... However, with a rather Orwellian mentality, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others"...

This constitutional law which makes 'dual pricing illegal' is ignored and instead we see 'state sponsored dual pricing'... (in parks and hospitals etc).