Picture courtesy of Pheerayuth Nimnont)

 

Services at the BTS Phaya Thai Station remain operational despite reports of overseas visitors facing issues with their Rabbit Cards. Reporters discovered that the Rabbit Card counter was operating normally, issuing and topping up cards without any interruptions. Some foreigners have reported card blocks, requiring reregistration.

 

The situation arises from a policy linking card data with personal ID to ensure security and prevent misuse. Cards with lengthy usage history may require re-registration with identity verification at the ticket office. This process aims to unlock cards, allowing continued usage without disruption.

 

We've observed occasional issues with passport scanning, leading BTS staff to suggest that visitors should approach the station service counter. Here, officers are equipped to quickly inspect and rectify any card issues. This change aims to streamline the experience and minimise inconvenience for international travellers.

 

Looking ahead, continued diligence in passport verification and card re-registration is expected. BTS staff remain on standby to assist and address any issues promptly, ensuring a smooth experience for all commuters at the station, reported Khaosod.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• BTS Phaya Thai Station is operational despite some foreign card issues.
• Re-registration and ID verification are required for security purposes.
• Station service counters are equipped to handle passport scanning problems.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Facebook Khaosod English 2025-12-16

 

 

 

Just plain dumb   😡

I don't get it. Will all foreigners have to re-register their Rabbit cards?

 

I got mine after the point when passports were required, so presumably I'm already registered appropriately. I haven't had any problems using the card within the past week.

3 minutes ago, tai4de2 said:

I don't get it. Will all foreigners have to re-register their Rabbit cards?

 

I got mine after the point when passports were required, so presumably I'm already registered appropriately. I haven't had any problems using the card within the past week.

 

I use the Rabbit app, mainly (only) to easily top up my card for the BTS.  Last week the app would not open until I had re-registered my KYC information, including passport scan, address, etc.  Initially it froze each time I tried to submit the details but this week I got it to work.  I can read the balance on the card but haven't used it yet, but I'm hopeful it will work!

I went to top my Rabbit card off recently and went through re-registration at that time.

I had my passport with me for another reason so that was lucky as I wasn't expecting to need it for topping off the card.

I wasn't expecting it and it wasn't explained to me.

Also it took about 20 minutes as the computer system gagged a few times and basically the whole staff at the ticket booth got involved.

This Rabbit card I got in 2023 so maybe that is extended use or whatever the article said.

Anyway, it was finally topped off so happy with the result.

 

My Rabbit card was registered in 2019. Used it last week no issues. 

 

 

This will save lives. I feel so much safer.

What is there to ensure security and prevent misuse? Mind boggling Thai bureaucracy or inferiority complex of the finest order? 

 

this happened to me. i've lived, visited and traveled in many of the major cities in the world, never have i encountered such paranoid nonsense, card misuse? what on earth are they on about? 

I wonder if BTS staff have been instructed to have the grace to apologise to those who will have to register again, or if foreigners will just be met with a "Show me your passport" ORDER full of dedain...

23 hours ago, webfact said:

This process aims to unlock cards, allowing continued usage without disruption.

No it doesn't.  It aims to  make things disruptive and invasive.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

8 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

My Rabbit card was registered in 2019. Used it last week no issues. 

The issue is not with using the card, but with topping it up! Since having a card with a stored amount on means BTS is holding your money for you, they want need KYC before letting you continue. Standard international rules of law these days, pain in the arse, but is what it is. Topping up by a Line Pay account linked to Rabbit card on phone far easier for most folk.

Registered my card a long time ago, I'm actually on my 3rd card.  

 

Went to use it last night on the way to a dinner and it wouldn't work. 

 

Oh well I thought, must need topping up - opened the LINE app to transfer cash from my Kbank and saw that my Rabbit Card still had 1700 THB on it. 

Went to the service window and told the girl there was an issue with my card - and then the problems started. 

I'm very patient and polite, but I can't stand idiocy.  So the young Thai woman scans my card then asks for my passport. I politely tell her that I don't carry my passport, however I do have another form of Government ID with my photo and all the details they would need to verify the Rabbit Card is registered in my name.  I show her my Hong Kong ID (which functions like a passport if I visit Hong Kong or Macao). 

No, must be my passport.

At this point I've no idea that Rabbit cards are being "turn off" en-mass, I just think my card is glitched and has 1700 THB on it, so its not a credit issue. 

So I say, ok if there is a fee to pay just take it from the 1700 baht and let me get to my appointment. 

Passport. 

I don't have my passport and there's 1700 baht on the card (I also show her I have zero cash in my wallet) 

Passport. 

At which point I walked away, took 1000 baht out of the ATM, went back to her window and bought a single journey ticket to Asoke. 
I pretty much threw the 1000 baht note at her to show I was pissed off. 

The BTS needs to train its staff better.   There is no reason she couldn't have verified my identity with the ID Card I showed her, it has the same details as my passport (name, dob, etc) .  

The BTS also needs to make a public announcement explaining what is going on, because making people jump through hoops in unnacceptable. 
 

1 hour ago, LALes said:

No it doesn't.  It aims to  make things disruptive and invasive.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

The new, improved, and updated version is....."If it ain't broke, keep fixing it until it is."

 

 

I can recall my surprise at the requirement for a passport scan and check when it first arose around 2020. Since then I think we have all become accustomed to random Thai companies having scans of our passports, which is a real concern for our ongoing personal security.

 

But all of this is connected with the strange reality that the sums of money that we place on Rabbit and other prepaid cards are absolutely enormous and these companies have kind of become financial services companies. Starbucks, for example,  possesses around 1.8 billion dollars on its card, which is larger than many banks.

I always top up my Rabbit card using my Thai DL, so it looks like I'll have to take my passport next time. 

Sounds over the top if true. Why shouldn't it be enough to register with your passport once? You can't exactly move millions through a Rabbit card account. 

6 minutes ago, Jaggg88 said:

I always top up my Rabbit card using my Thai DL, so it looks like I'll have to take my passport next time. 

 

What do you mean, always? I registered with my passport once, and for each subsequent top-up, I only gave them cash, never any ID. I do carry my Thai DL, but I've never been asked for it when topping up my Rabbit card. Do you just routinely hand it over, or did they actually ask you for ID every time?

2 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said:

Registered my card a long time ago, I'm actually on my 3rd card.  

 

2 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said:

I pretty much threw the 1000 baht note at her to show I was pissed off. 

Still with a few of life's lessons to learn despite being here so long then?

On 12/16/2025 at 9:16 AM, webfact said:

The situation arises from a policy linking card data with personal ID to ensure security and prevent misuse. Cards with lengthy usage history may require re-registration with identity verification at the ticket office. This process aims to unlock cards, allowing continued usage without disruption.

Locking your card is a disruption ?

Someone cynical might wonder if the real purpose is to charge the 'dirty foreigners' more money !

 

This for your own protection mantra is very easy to see through,

think of the children.

Recently in Bangkok I found the MRT brilliant to just use my KBank debit card at the gate, a shame the BTS is not the same

4 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said:

Registered my card a long time ago, I'm actually on my 3rd card.  

 

Went to use it last night on the way to a dinner and it wouldn't work. 

 

Oh well I thought, must need topping up - opened the LINE app to transfer cash from my Kbank and saw that my Rabbit Card still had 1700 THB on it. 

Went to the service window and told the girl there was an issue with my card - and then the problems started. 

I'm very patient and polite, but I can't stand idiocy.  So the young Thai woman scans my card then asks for my passport. I politely tell her that I don't carry my passport, however I do have another form of Government ID with my photo and all the details they would need to verify the Rabbit Card is registered in my name.  I show her my Hong Kong ID (which functions like a passport if I visit Hong Kong or Macao). 

No, must be my passport.

At this point I've no idea that Rabbit cards are being "turn off" en-mass, I just think my card is glitched and has 1700 THB on it, so its not a credit issue. 

So I say, ok if there is a fee to pay just take it from the 1700 baht and let me get to my appointment. 

Passport. 

I don't have my passport and there's 1700 baht on the card (I also show her I have zero cash in my wallet) 

Passport. 

At which point I walked away, took 1000 baht out of the ATM, went back to her window and bought a single journey ticket to Asoke. 
I pretty much threw the 1000 baht note at her to show I was pissed off. 

The BTS needs to train its staff better.   There is no reason she couldn't have verified my identity with the ID Card I showed her, it has the same details as my passport (name, dob, etc) .  

The BTS also needs to make a public announcement explaining what is going on, because making people jump through hoops in unnacceptable. 
 

Why you blame the staff?

They are just executing orders from above. 

Would be better to target your anger at the management or customer service

1 hour ago, Jaggg88 said:

I always top up my Rabbit card using my Thai DL, so it looks like I'll have to take my passport next time. 

Not working, they need to scan your passport 

7 hours ago, Sydebolle said:

What is there to ensure security and prevent misuse? Mind boggling Thai bureaucracy or inferiority complex of the finest order? 

It is all part of the Global Anti-Money Laudering and Anti-Tax Avoidance initiatives that only affect the little guys but not the actual money launderering gangs and tax frauds.   

5 hours ago, Jaggg88 said:

I always top up my Rabbit card using my Thai DL, so it looks like I'll have to take my passport next time. 

I've never been asked except when BTS changed to new cards. I always carry my pink card & top up my seniors card at stations where there are few foreigners.

My card was blocked at Asoke a couple of days ago. They wanted to see my passport before they could renew - all very unecessary, but paranoid protectionist bureacrats are what they are - tolerated through necessity in my world

 

However, they then wanted my phone number and email address. As I do in hotels too, I politely declined as I have enough spam on those already - they get leaked and I don't trust hotels or BTS to securely store my details, especially when not necessary

 

"I'm sorry, but I never give out those details" is my standard line

 

But unlike hotels, the BTS staff were insistent and were refusing to enable my card until I gave them *some* details. Pointless timewasting 😞

18 hours ago, Seppius said:

Recently in Bangkok I found the MRT brilliant to just use my KBank debit card at the gate, a shame the BTS is not the same

I use foreign VISA credit cards at MRT but not allowable at BTS. The foreign credit card doesn't post to my Thai bank passbook that will quickly fill up with minor entries requiring a trip to the bank to pay for another book.

Even though I'm already registered and verified with my passport, I had to bring my passport again to BTS Station.

Ok, TiT, so back to the station with my passport. They try to scan it, but doesn't work. Try and try again, now already 3 staff trying. Doesn't work... "Need to go to Rabbit Service Center at Phaya Thai".

 

Ok, I go there, stand forever in the long queue, finally get to the 1 poor guy who is alone in the service center. He apparently manages to do whatever was needed. Then he wrote a note on a paper which I had to bring with my passport to BTS counter (another long queue). Rabbit Card seems to work again now, but doesn't seem to work anymore with My Rabbit app. BTS staff tried, but couldn't help...

 

Ok, I understand all this mess is necessary because of the massive money laundering going on with a few baht skytrain rides?

 

I'm glad we are helping the fight 😉

 

 

On 12/17/2025 at 8:56 AM, Freddy42OZ said:

Registered my card a long time ago, I'm actually on my 3rd card.  

 

Went to use it last night on the way to a dinner and it wouldn't work. 

 

Oh well I thought, must need topping up - opened the LINE app to transfer cash from my Kbank and saw that my Rabbit Card still had 1700 THB on it. 

Went to the service window and told the girl there was an issue with my card - and then the problems started. 

I'm very patient and polite, but I can't stand idiocy.  So the young Thai woman scans my card then asks for my passport. I politely tell her that I don't carry my passport, however I do have another form of Government ID with my photo and all the details they would need to verify the Rabbit Card is registered in my name.  I show her my Hong Kong ID (which functions like a passport if I visit Hong Kong or Macao). 

No, must be my passport.

At this point I've no idea that Rabbit cards are being "turn off" en-mass, I just think my card is glitched and has 1700 THB on it, so its not a credit issue. 

So I say, ok if there is a fee to pay just take it from the 1700 baht and let me get to my appointment. 

Passport. 

I don't have my passport and there's 1700 baht on the card (I also show her I have zero cash in my wallet) 

Passport. 

At which point I walked away, took 1000 baht out of the ATM, went back to her window and bought a single journey ticket to Asoke. 
I pretty much threw the 1000 baht note at her to show I was pissed off. 

The BTS needs to train its staff better.   There is no reason she couldn't have verified my identity with the ID Card I showed her, it has the same details as my passport (name, dob, etc) .  

The BTS also needs to make a public announcement explaining what is going on, because making people jump through hoops in unnacceptable. 
 

There is a reason why the lady needs to see the passport. She was instructed to do so by management and doesn't make up the rules. You terrorised the young lady for no reason at all. It's ignorant to think that your Hong Kong ID card would suffice. Try that at the bank next time they ask for your passport. These staff work for a measly hourly wage and don't need to put up with your aggressive behaviour.

 

If you have a problem with their rules and policies, talk to the upper management that makes these rules and reprimand them.