February 27Feb 27 From 1 June 2026, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) will discontinue the use of MRT and MRT Plus stored-value cards on the MRT Blue and Purple lines, accepting only EMV contactless cards for entry. Passengers will no longer be able to top up MRT and MRT Plus cards from 1 April 2026, either online or at stations. From 1 January 2027, single-journey tokens will also be withdrawn and replaced by QR code ticketing.Get today's headlines by email The change affects the MRT Blue Line, operating between Bang Sue–Hua Lamphong–Lak Song, and the MRT Purple Line, running from Tao Poon to Bang Yai. Around 100,000 MRT and MRT Plus cards are currently in circulation. Passengers are encouraged to use up any remaining balance before switching to EMV cards, with refunds available in cash for unused funds.Cardholders can exchange their existing cards for a Mangmoom EMV card free of charge at ticket offices at all stations between 1 March and 31 December 2026. The fee waiver applies to one EMV Contactless card per person. Authorities have prepared 100,000 Mangmoom EMV cards for exchange, divided by passenger type and line.For the Blue Line, 56,000 Adult cards, 8,000 Senior cards and 17,000 Student cards have been allocated. For the Purple Line, 14,000 Adult cards, 2,000 Senior cards and 3,000 Student cards are available. The Blue Line currently carries 500,000–600,000 passengers daily, while the Purple Line records 70,000–80,000 passengers per day.Passengers using Mangmoom EMV cards will continue to receive existing concessions. Thai nationals aged over 60 qualify for a 50% discount with a Senior card. Children not exceeding 120cm in height and aged no more than 14 travel free, while those over 120cm and aged up to 23 receive a 10% discount with a Student card.At present, fare payment options include single-use tokens, stored-value cards, EMV contactless credit cards from all banks, and debit cards from Krungthai Bank, UOB, Bank of Ayudhya, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank. Mangmoom EMV cards can be used across all MRTA-supervised lines, including the Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink lines, and at retailers displaying the Contactless symbol.Daily News reported the transition to 100% EMV payment is intended to support future integrated fare policies and encourage wider adoption of contactless travel. The Mangmoom EMV card also connects to the “Paotang” application, enabling users to top up funds, check usage history and report lost cards.Picture courtesy of Daily NewsKey Takeaways• MRT and MRT Plus cards will no longer be accepted from 1 June 2026 on the Blue and Purple lines.• Top-ups end on 1 April 2026, with free exchanges to Mangmoom EMV cards available until 31 December 2026.• Single-journey tokens will be withdrawn from 1 January 2027 and replaced by QR code ticketing.Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 27 Feb 2026 View full record
February 27Feb 27 Popular Post Do note, that for those currently holding MRT+ Elder cards the replacement Mangmoom Elder card is not available to foreigners ☹️So tough titty!! Pay full fare or walk!! 😡You should be able to get any remaining balance back, remember to take your passport.Also do note that the BTS Green Line currently does not accept EMV cards, so don't throw away that Rabbit card just yet. "I don't want to know why you can't. I want to know how you can!"
February 27Feb 27 Popular Post Bangkok’s mass transport system really is one of the best ways to get around the city: fast, air‑conditioned, and increasingly well connected as the MRT expands.The news that old MRT cards and tokens are being phased out is another step toward modernization, but it highlights a long‑standing frustration: each system still requires its own ticketing.Right now, the BTS Skytrain, MRT, Airport Rail Link, Thai Smile buses, and river ferries all operate separately, meaning passengers need different cards or tickets depending on the journey. There’s no unified card that works across all of them, so transfers can be inconvenient and confusing for visitors and locals alike.A single integrated card would make Bangkok’s transport network far more user‑friendly, encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and rely on public transit.It’s great to see progress with MRT ticketing, but the real breakthrough will come when the city finally introduces one card for all systems.
February 27Feb 27 Is this like Singapore where you can just swipe your credit or debit card to travel?
February 27Feb 27 Popular Post 42 minutes ago, sungod said:Is this like Singapore where you can just swipe your credit or debit card to travel?Once fully implemented, yes. "I don't want to know why you can't. I want to know how you can!"
February 27Feb 27 4 hours ago, Crossy said:Do note, that for those currently holding MRT+ Elder cards the replacement Mangmoom Elder card is not available to foreigners ☹️So tough titty!! Pay full fare or walk!! 😡You should be able to get any remaining balance back, remember to take your passport.Also do note that the BTS Green Line currently does not accept EMV cards, so don't throw away that Rabbit card just yet.It's not a big deal - but this is another example of dual pricing.
February 27Feb 27 Popular Post I have a senior MRT card now. When this useless new system is in place, I'll get the wife to buy me a senior card which I'll top up with no arguments. My oink card proves I'm a (lover you) longtime resident of the Kingdom.I have asked the BTS staff to call the Tourist Police if they want me arrested for theft of services. They backed off fast. NEVER give up your senior card to BTS staff!The elevated MRT on Srinagarinda out my way only accepts BTS Rabbit cards--weird.The ONLY change needed is a card that works on every mode of transport including ferries & buses, maybe even taxis. With senior rates for ALL seniors. To discriminate on the basis of age or nationality is illegal in the That Constitution.
February 28Feb 28 Right now using MRT Plus on Blue and Purple lines. Was surprised to see Pink line used Rabbit... Anyway, on at least Blue line I see credit cards being accepted. Never tried but see others using it. Might just switch to use Thai credit card instead of moving to Mangmoom.But wasn't Mangmoom supposed to become standard across all the public transportation the same way as Octopus is in Hong Kong?
February 28Feb 28 Use an EMV Contactless foreign VISA credit card with no issues on MRT. No reason BTS can't accept the same.
February 28Feb 28 2 hours ago, Srikcir said:Use an EMV Contactless foreign VISA credit card with no issues on MRT. No reason BTS can't accept the same.Did your bank charge a foreign transaction fee and if it did was it significant?
February 28Feb 28 On 2/27/2026 at 5:17 PM, unblocktheplanet said:I have a senior MRT card now. When this useless new system is in place, I'll get the wife to buy me a senior card which I'll top up with no arguments. My oink card proves I'm a (lover you) longtime resident of the Kingdom.I have asked the BTS staff to call the Tourist Police if they want me arrested for theft of services. They backed off fast. NEVER give up your senior card to BTS staff!The elevated MRT on Srinagarinda out my way only accepts BTS Rabbit cards--weird.The ONLY change needed is a card that works on every mode of transport including ferries & buses, maybe even taxis. With senior rates for ALL seniors. To discriminate on the basis of age or nationality is illegal in the United States Constitution.Are you living in Disneyland or what?.....Dule pricing for farangs in Thailand is a national sport....By all means, do try and game the system....But you should well know by now dule pricing is everywhere....
February 28Feb 28 On 2/27/2026 at 12:17 PM, Crossy said:Do note, that for those currently holding MRT+ Elder cards the replacement Mangmoom Elder card is not available to foreigners ☹️So tough titty!! Pay full fare or walk!! 😡You should be able to get any remaining balance back, remember to take your passport.Also do note that the BTS Green Line currently does not accept EMV cards, so don't throw away that Rabbit card just yet."Do note, that for those currently holding MRT+ Elder cards the replacement Mangmoom Elder card is not available to foreigners ☹️"I guess I will use the Elder card as long as I can as the discount is substantial.Change is the only constant or something like that.
March 9Mar 9 Warning Will Robinson! Warning!!If you use the EMV system and it does not read your card on exit (misreads do seem to be an issue) the staff will want to let you out via the staff gate.BUTThis will leave an open journey in the back office system which will result in a full distance deduction! (73Baht in my mate's case rather than the correct 27Baht)This is of course not good. More staff training required! "I don't want to know why you can't. I want to know how you can!"
March 9Mar 9 If single use token are On 2/27/2026 at 10:44 AM, Georgealbert said:From 1 June 2026, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) will discontinue the use of MRT and MRT Plus stored-value cards on the MRT Blue and Purple lines, accepting only EMV contactless cards for entry. Passengers will no longer be able to top up MRT and MRT Plus cards from 1 April 2026, either online or at stations. From 1 January 2027, single-journey tokens will also be withdrawn and replaced by QR code ticketing.Get today's headlines by email The change affects the MRT Blue Line, operating between Bang Sue–Hua Lamphong–Lak Song, and the MRT Purple Line, running from Tao Poon to Bang Yai. Around 100,000 MRT and MRT Plus cards are currently in circulation. Passengers are encouraged to use up any remaining balance before switching to EMV cards, with refunds available in cash for unused funds.Cardholders can exchange their existing cards for a Mangmoom EMV card free of charge at ticket offices at all stations between 1 March and 31 December 2026. The fee waiver applies to one EMV Contactless card per person. Authorities have prepared 100,000 Mangmoom EMV cards for exchange, divided by passenger type and line.For the Blue Line, 56,000 Adult cards, 8,000 Senior cards and 17,000 Student cards have been allocated. For the Purple Line, 14,000 Adult cards, 2,000 Senior cards and 3,000 Student cards are available. The Blue Line currently carries 500,000–600,000 passengers daily, while the Purple Line records 70,000–80,000 passengers per day.Passengers using Mangmoom EMV cards will continue to receive existing concessions. Thai nationals aged over 60 qualify for a 50% discount with a Senior card. Children not exceeding 120cm in height and aged no more than 14 travel free, while those over 120cm and aged up to 23 receive a 10% discount with a Student card.At present, fare payment options include single-use tokens, stored-value cards, EMV contactless credit cards from all banks, and debit cards from Krungthai Bank, UOB, Bank of Ayudhya, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank. Mangmoom EMV cards can be used across all MRTA-supervised lines, including the Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink lines, and at retailers displaying the Contactless symbol.Daily News reported the transition to 100% EMV payment is intended to support future integrated fare policies and encourage wider adoption of contactless travel. The Mangmoom EMV card also connects to the “Paotang” application, enabling users to top up funds, check usage history and report lost cards.Picture courtesy of Daily NewsKey Takeaways• MRT and MRT Plus cards will no longer be accepted from 1 June 2026 on the Blue and Purple lines.• Top-ups end on 1 April 2026, with free exchanges to Mangmoom EMV cards available until 31 December 2026.• Single-journey tokens will be withdrawn from 1 January 2027 and replaced by QR code ticketing.Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 27 Feb 2026View full recordSo if you don't have a Thai bank account or the necessary credit card you're out of luck? Is that the way it works?
March 9Mar 9 On 2/27/2026 at 10:44 AM, Georgealbert said:Cardholders Thai nationals can exchange their existing cards for a Mangmoom EMV card free of charge at ticket offices at all stations between 1 March and 31 December 2026.I've just tried to exchange my several years old MRT card into the new Mangmoom card.Teller answer: Foreigners cannot get a Mangmoom card as a Thai ID card is necessary to register.For non-Thai nationals the remaining choice is either buy single trip tokens (each time, with potential long queues) or use eligible EMV enabled bank cards for the journey.Thailand's clearly showing its intention to go forward discriminating further applying double standards between locals and foreigners (regardless of the decades they've spent living in Thailand).
March 9Mar 9 2 hours ago, Yumthai said:I've just tried to exchange my several years old MRT card into the new Mangmoom card.Teller answer: Foreigners cannot get a Mangmoom card as a Thai ID card is necessary to register.For non-Thai nationals the remaining choice is either buy single trip tokens (each time, with potential long queues) or use eligible EMV enabled bank cards for the journey.Thailand's clearly showing its intention to go forward discriminating further applying double standards between locals and foreigners (regardless of the decades they've spent living in Thailand).I was told by a MRT. employee that I couldn't top off my MRT card back in October.I went to the office at a different station and topped it off no problem.Hoping that this is a similar problem, one office enforcing the rules creatively.I don't want to pay fares with a bank card, although I suppose it would be ok.
March 9Mar 9 9 minutes ago, cdemundo said:I was told by a MRT. employee that I couldn't top off my MRT card back in October.I went to the office at a different station and topped it off no problem.Hoping that this is a similar problem, one office enforcing the rules creatively.I don't want to pay fares with a bank card, although I suppose it would be ok.You can still top up your current MRT card until 1 April 2026, then it will be discontinued and unusable from 1 June 2026.
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