Thailand launches flat-fare electric train scheme, attracts strong first-day registration
สำนักข่าวไทย Online
อัพเดต 25 สิงหาคม 2568 เวลา 20.46 น. • เผยแพร่ 6 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา • สำนักข่าวไทย อสมทBANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) – Thailand’s government on Monday launched online registration for its 20-baht (about $0.6) flat-rate fare for electric train services, drawing a strong public response.
The scheme, set to begin October 1, aims to reduce travel costs and boost public transport use. The government projects a 20% increase in daily ridership from the current 1.7 million trips.
Registration opened at midnight, and the hashtag #รถไฟฟ้า20บาทตลอดสาย (20-baht flat-rate train) quickly became a top trending topic on social media. Many users reported successful registration via the “Tang Rat” app, though some faced issues verifying their Rabbit Cards.
Commuters can register their EMV Contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, MRT’s Mangmoom) or Rabbit Cards. The flat fare requires using the same registered card for a single trip, which must be completed within 180 minutes.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsup confirmed that the relevant legislation is moving forward, with the Rail Transport Bill having passed the House of Representatives and two other bills expected to be considered next week. -819 (TNA)