Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand has announced an extension of the 20-baht flat fare on the Red and Purple Line trains until the end of November, aiming to reduce commuter costs and provide policy consistency. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the proposal will be presented at a Cabinet meeting today, ensuring the continuation of the popular fare scheme that was set to expire on September 30. This extension is part of a strategy to alleviate financial burdens on passengers while longer-term fare solutions are developed.

 

The Red and Purple Lines are crucial components of Bangkok's urban transit, connecting significant residential and commercial areas. The 20-baht cap has been praised for making commuting more affordable amidst rising living costs. The move revokes an earlier Cabinet resolution from July 8 and replaces it with a new measure to maintain the capped fare for two more months.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphat addressed other Cabinet meeting items, assuring the public that the half-half co-payment subsidy scheme will commence in October despite not being on today's agenda. The delay was attributed to procedural issues, but Ekniti confirmed it remains on track to boost consumer spending.

 

The Cabinet meeting also focused on budgeting as September 30 marks the end of the 2025 fiscal year. Discussions included fiscal stability measures such as debt repayments to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) and funding for development projects aimed at maintaining economic resilience.

 

Looking forward, commuters in Bangkok will benefit from the extended fare cap, with decisions on a long-term pricing strategy expected in the coming months. The continuation reflects the government's effort to balance commuter relief with broader economic and policy considerations.

 

Key Takeaways

• The 20-baht train fare extension will last until the end of November.
• The half-half co-payment scheme is confirmed to start in October.
• Budget allocations focus on fiscal stability as the 2025 fiscal year ends.

 

Related Stories

Government Plans Transport Fare Cuts and Subsidy Scheme

Bangkok Metro Ends 20-Baht Fare Cap on Red, Purple Lines

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-30

 

 

Sometimes you wonder if the flip knows what the flop is doing...

Make transit free and take the money out of general revenue instead of pis sing billions away on rice schemes and other pork barrel projects. 

2 minutes ago, Bobthegimp said:

Make transit free and take the money out of general revenue instead of pis sing billions away on rice schemes and other pork barrel projects. 

 

Like submarine and fighter jet purchases?

8 minutes ago, Bobthegimp said:

Make transit free and take the money out of general revenue instead of pis sing billions away on rice schemes and other pork barrel projects. 

 

That's a recipe for disaster.  The only reason the queues to get on the trains aren't over an hour long is because they cost money.  If you made them free, people would joy ride them all day, every day.

 

In fact, I'd be curious to see Thai Social media coverage to see what effect the 20 baht scheme is having on the queues. 

 

BTW, is there an election coming up?  Because this sounds a lot like "bread and circuses".

 

Yet another double post, and I know I didn't hit the SUBMIT button twice.

 

I'm well on my way to suspecting a glitch in the system.

 

2 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

That's a recipe for disaster.  The only reason the queues to get on the trains aren't over an hour long is because they cost money.  If you made them free, people would joy ride them all day, every day.

 

In fact, I'd be curious to see Thai Social media coverage to see what effect the 20 baht scheme is having on the queues. 

 

 

I've got 25 years of experience working on transit.  Joy riders are fine. They ride during off-peak hours and don't bother anyone.  The biggest problem was getting them to disembark at the end of the run.

 

Homeless people and drug addicts were very difficult to deal with due to antisocial behaviour and refusing to follow basic rules regarding safety and courtesy to other passengers.  I don't see those types here in Thailand, or at least they're not the entitled breed we have back home. 

Novel idea - maybe just pay people more.  

12 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

Novel idea - maybe just pay people more.

 

Or take the money from the  elite.

9 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Or take the money from the  elite.

AKA The Untouchables.