Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed an order establishing a committee to drive policy on electric train fare reform, aimed at easing the cost of living. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has been appointed chair.
The directive, signed by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday, tasks the committee with devising strategies for fare structures. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will serve as vice-chair.
Members include the permanent secretaries of the transport, finance, and interior ministries; the secretaries-general of the Council of State and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC); the Budget Bureau director; the attorney-general; and the heads of key state transport agencies including the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The Department of Rail Transport will serve as secretariat.
The committee’s formation follows the government’s policy declaration to parliament on Sept 29, which prioritised reducing daily expenses such as public transport and toll fees to boost household purchasing power. The cabinet subsequently resolved on 30 September to have the Transport Ministry establish a working body.
The panel will study the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the 20-baht flat fare policy across all electric train lines. It will also develop long-term frameworks to ensure sustainability and minimise fiscal burdens.
Responsibilities include drafting policy frameworks and fare structures, considering the integrated management of electric train systems under a single ownership model to improve coordination, and reviewing concession and joint-investment contracts.
The first meeting is due on Oct 29, when members will discuss strategies for policy rollout and long-term system management under the single ownership framework.
Mr Phiphat stated the panel aims to finalise a clear direction for new fare structures early next year.
“We aim to conclude the study by the end of January so the public can benefit as soon as possible,” Mr Phiphat said, adding that similar principles will be applied to bus fare reform.
The current 20-baht flat fare scheme for the Red and Purple Line trains is due to expire on Nov 30. Mr Phiphat confirmed the policy will be extended, and revised to improve efficiency.