2 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Oh how sad. Guess it goes with my old passports as a memory for my kid to toss after I kick. Guess I got to shell out for a new card.

I only note this FWIW. The ONLY time I have ever used a CC on a transit line was a few months ago at the Air Train from JFK. I then, luckily for me, locked the card. I then started getting attempts to charge my account from Netflix and of course I dont have an account. So I had to get a new card.

That's why I don't want my bank accounts connected to public transit in any way.

I understand my only choice is to pay every single trip at the ticket machine?

Or get a Thai to buy a stored value card for me

15 minutes ago, Hish said:

That's why I don't want my bank accounts connected to public transit in any way.

I understand my only choice is to pay every single trip at the ticket machine?

Or get a Thai to buy a stored value card for me

We cant have stored value cards as a farang? Thats pretty primitive

Usual racist and xenophobia in Thailand against foreigners. No wonder tourism is falling and no wonder the quality foreigners who can, are leaving.

On 4/7/2026 at 9:17 PM, Hish said:

I understand my only choice is to pay every single trip at the ticket machine?

I don't believe people will have the option 'to pay' at a ticket machine, in the sense of using cash, whether bills or coins, to stick in a machine and get a token. The MRT is doing away with handling cash, I'd assume that includes machines for single trips.

I've been told one can use their phone to scan a QR code to pay at a ticket machine. (Maybe possible now?) What happens after that, I'm not sure. I've always used a stored-value card, which foreigners will be shut out of going forward. Some might manage to finagle one. This is the EMV stored-value card that can be gotten at MRT stations. Many announcenents, in English, from MRT announcing it. But what they leave out of the announcements is that the replacement stored-value cards are for Thai people only. Why not just say it?

News stories, too. All the English language media trumpeting up the big 'going cashless' move by the MRT, and reporting that current stored-value cards can be exchanged for the new one at stations. But they leave out the part that the replacement cards are for Thai people only. Who are the English language MRT announcenents and media stories for? Thai people. Not really. They're mainly targeted for foreigners, and the nost important point for the audience--that they can't get the replacement card--is left out!

No, don't have a bank card, and quite comfortable not needing one, and wouldn't want to use it for this purpose anyway.

For a card to use on the MRT, I think with a True money account one can get a pre-paid EMV Mastercard. That's probably a good option. But waiting to see how it all shakes out when the changes come into effect, see how it goes.

3 hours ago, rwilem said:

But they leave out the part that the replacement cards are for Thai people only.

If that turns out to be true, and not just a problem with translation, they'll either do a fast 180, or they'll see tourist numbers drop like a rock after foreign tourists languish in hours long queues at the BTS and MRT. And then post it on YouBoob and TitTok.

Now, here's a novel idea. Use cash. Works instantly all the time with no added charges. It's worked for centuries in one way or another.

On 4/7/2026 at 9:17 PM, Hish said:

I understand my only choice is to pay every single trip at the ticket machine?

My understanding from the (vague) announcements coming out of MRT is that single trip tokens will continue to be sold through the end of the year. Though they haven't specified, I assume they'll still be using the existing ticket machines that accept cash.

Starting in 2027, they'll eliminate tokens completely, and use QR codes instead. These could be generated on their app and then scanned directly from your phone (like the system in Stockholm), but they hinted that people without phones or electronic payment options would be able to buy a printed QR code at the station (like in Ho Chi Minh City). Presumably we'll hear more details later, but so far the specifics are lacking.

So who knows if I use the card of my wife to get the discount ?

3 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Now, here's a novel idea. Use cash. Works instantly all the time with no added charges. It's worked for centuries in one way or another.

Sure.

If you don't mind waiting in the queues at the cash based ticket machines and attended booths. In some stations (like Sukhumvit), the queues snake around quite a bit during the busy times. I'm forecasting that they'll be even worse when (if?) a good portion of the card holders are no longer able to get the stored value cards.

On an aside, I'm always surprised at the number of locals that wait in the queue rather than fork over a few $$ for the stored value cards (200 baht, I think). That shows me how different their relationship is with money. I can't say I blame them when a lot of them make 300 baht a day.

14 minutes ago, sitanonchai said:

So who knows if I use the card of my wife to get the discount ?

There's a lighting system as you go thru the turnstiles, that IDs the fare type. UP2U

3 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Now, here's a novel idea. Use cash. Works instantly all the time with no added charges. It's worked for centuries in one way or another.

Easy to tell who doesn't use the BTS / MRT. To Q or not to Q ???

A Thai friend is actually using a Visa card (Krung Thai) for the MRT.

It often has problems.

And then MRT staff says: go to the bank and solve the problem with the bank. We cannot help you.

MRT staff refuses to sell her a stored value card, they say they don't exist anymore.

Central Bangkok.

14 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Now, here's a novel idea. Use cash. Works instantly all the time...

You do unuderstand the issue, right?

The MRT is eliminating the option to use cash, 'going cashless'. Whatever the date is when that becomes a reality, and cash is no longer accepted by the MRT, I'm not sure. We'll have to wait and see.

A post earlier says single trip tokens can be bought at ticket machines (and if so, also at counters and booths?) until the end of the year. In that case you've got about eight months left to be able to buy tokens using cash for rides on the MRT.

Personally, I have no qualms with cash, I'm a cash proponent. And if the MRT won't make the version of the replacement EMV stored-value card available to non-Thais I would choose to use cash. But at some point we're not going to have that option.

On 4/9/2026 at 7:42 PM, SingAPorn said:

No wonder tourism is falling and no wonder the quality foreigners who can, are leaving.

Replaced by this

On 3/30/2026 at 2:32 AM, DonniePeverley said:

Can you still go a station and order a one way ticket ?

The problem with this system, and many others around the world who have adopted this approach with credit card use is that it penalises large families who will not be able to have a credit card for each family member.

Furthermore, when i use credit cards on the underground in London it really does annoy me, as they can add massive charges claiming you never checked out. That sort of thing is rife in London.

so don't use a credit card, get a monzo or revolut card, simples. assume same would apply in thailand?

3 hours ago, it is what it is said:

so don't use a credit card, get a monzo or revolut card, simples. assume same would apply in thailand?

So you expect a family of 5 to go and get 4 credit cards to use a metro system? Quit dreaming mate.

I have been at the MRT lineup today and locals are being given cards - what are these ?

Thais get the new stored value cards ("Mangmoom EMV"), I guess that's what you saw.

On 4/11/2026 at 1:55 PM, KhunLA said:

There's a lighting system as you go thru the turnstiles, that IDs the fare type. UP2U

Easy to tell who doesn't use the BTS / MRT. To Q or not to Q ???

Might be annoying sometimes, but I prefer to queue while contemplating the meaning of life (which is to find clothes to wear that never need ironing) than getting frustrated dealing with cards :)

On 3/15/2026 at 4:08 PM, msbkk said:

I got a prepaid Visa card directly from MRT which is connected to the app and can be topped up by barcode scanning within the app. Alternatively you might consider another prepaid Visa card, Siam Commercial Bank, Krungthai Bank and Bangkok Bank do offer those.

I got a prepaid Visa card directly from MRT which is connected to the app and can be topped up by barcode scanning within the app. I remember it was quite challenging to register it within the app last year. Alternatively you might consider another prepaid Visa card, Siam Commercial Bank, Krungthai Bank and Bangkok Bank do offer those.

I read that those cards would be only for Thai citizens, but if foreigners can get them, that would be great. Thanks.

On 4/11/2026 at 10:59 PM, Hish said:

A Thai friend is actually using a Visa card (Krung Thai) for the MRT.

It often has problems.

And then MRT staff says: go to the bank and solve the problem with the bank. We cannot help you.

MRT staff refuses to sell her a stored value card, they say they don't exist anymore.

Central Bangkok.

Yes, and anyone who has had a problem with a bank Visa or Mastercard (disputed charge, for example) knows that the bank will tell you that you need to talk to the vendor and the vendor will tell you that you need to talk to your bank.... imagine if the vendor is the transit system....

1 hour ago, JTXR said:

I read that those cards would be only for Thai citizens, but if foreigners can get them, that would be great. Thanks.

I got the card last year. I am not sure if it is still possible to get one.

Does the normal orange rabbit card still work, and if so will that expire at a certain point, and will they refund remaining credits on the card?

Fascinating how often technology seeks to make things simpler, and in the process makes them infinitely more complex.

31 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Does the normal orange rabbit card still work, and if so will that expire at a certain point, and will they refund remaining credits on the card?

Rabbit card is for the BTS, not MRT, and yes it still works.

On 4/11/2026 at 10:59 PM, Hish said:

A Thai friend is actually using a Visa card (Krung Thai) for the MRT.

It often has problems.

And then MRT staff says: go to the bank and solve the problem with the bank. We cannot help you.

MRT staff refuses to sell her a stored value card, they say they don't exist anymore.

Central Bangkok.

"A Thai friend is actually using a Visa card (Krung Thai) for the MRT.

It often has problems."

My completely unscientific impression has been that the VISA card turnstiles have more problems than the others.

People seem to be walking to the cashier from the VISA turnstiles more often is my impression over the last couple of years.

But no choice I guess.

I have applied for the SCB prepaid VISA which is supposed to work but I still have a lot of credit on my MRT Elder card with discount.

I will use that before I start trying to use the VISA card.

58 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

"A Thai friend is actually using a Visa card (Krung Thai) for the MRT.

It often has problems."

My completely unscientific impression has been that the VISA card turnstiles have more problems than the others.

People seem to be walking to the cashier from the VISA turnstiles more often is my impression over the last couple of years.

But no choice I guess.

I have applied for the SCB prepaid VISA which is supposed to work but I still have a lot of credit on my MRT Elder card with discount.

I will use that before I start trying to use the VISA card.

If the Visa card does not work just try at another machine next to it. In my experience it will solve the problem in most cases. I use the MRT every day and within the last 6 month there was only once a real problem which lasted 24 hours.

13 hours ago, msbkk said:

If the Visa card does not work just try at another machine next to it. In my experience it will solve the problem in most cases. I use the MRT every day and within the last 6 month there was only once a real problem which lasted 24 hours.

Thanks for the info, when the time comes, (I guess May?) that will be good to know.

Right now I am still using the MRT Elder card (bye-bye 50% discount).

Understood, with VISA card problems are not very common, but common enough that you have learned a fix.

Just trying the next machine is great if you are alone in the station.

If there are lines at every turnstile can be inconvenient if you waited in line and then your card didn't work.

With the MRT stored cards there are never problems.

For those who are going to go with a pre-paid VISA card:

I applied for/ordered from SCB a pre-paid VISA that they call the Planet SCB card.

There is 200 baht application fee, and a fee for using foreign ATMs.

The SCB Planet card generally has no fee for tapping and paying for MRT access, provided the currency used matches the currency stored on the card.

The card is apparently intended for use in currency exchange.

Has other uses but I plan to only use it for MRT.

If you have an existing SCB account, you can do everything through the SCB Easy phone app.

Card comes in about a week.

Used the card on MRT yesterday and today with no problems.

Will use up the balance on my MRT Elder card and then I guess get any balance refunded.

One disadvantage vs. the MRT stored card you don't get the trip cost and card balance at the end of the trip, and also of course no elder discount.

13 hours ago, cdemundo said:

One disadvantage vs. the MRT stored card you don't get the trip cost and card balance at the end of the trip, and also of course no elder discount.

Yes, always was good to know the balance left on the card, entering and exiting stations.

The rationale for MRT ditching their stored-value cards is they want to go cashless. OK, but many folks don't have or aren't allowed (foreigners) to get their EMV contactless-payment cards.

So why not just continue with the current stored-value cards but require top-ups to be made by QR payments? Not cash. I see people paying by QR codes at the windows, and am guessing this will still continue. Kind of like the term throwing the baby out with the bath water, just to chuck their stored-value card system. It certainly wasn't broke.

Edited April 28Apr 28 by rwilem

Wife & myself gave our MRT back and got refunded, Sunday. Couple years ago, gave my BTS card to daughter. Rail lines are simply to congested and a bother to even use any more. No loss at all.

If you have an existing SCB account, you can do everything through the SCB Easy phone app.

Card comes in about a week.

Used the card on MRT yesterday and today with no problems.

Will use up the balance on my MRT Elder card and then I guess get any balance refunded.

One disadvantage vs. the MRT stored card you don't get the trip cost and card balance at the end of the trip, and also of course no elder discount.

Good info for people who live in Thailand, but the other disadvantage is that tourists don't qualify for an SCB account and don't want to wait a week before they can use the MRT.

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm forecasting a major fustercluck... Unless they open kiosks in the airport arrival halls and MRT stations where tourists can buy a valid prepaid card in whatever form it would take.

On 4/10/2026 at 5:12 AM, SingAPorn said:

Usual racist and xenophobia in Thailand against foreigners. No wonder tourism is falling and no wonder the quality foreigners who can, are leaving.

Really ?

How did you arrive at that? Please show us some real statistics.

Thai Xenophobia - that's a dead horse. Beaten enough by some frustrated farang.