Siripong Pushes 40-Baht Electric Train Fare, Public Hearing Set for September—Building Rail System as Core Network
Thailand's Transport Ministry plans to expand its 40-baht electric train fare policy nationwide, with public hearings scheduled for September to finalize the zone-based pricing structure by January 2025.
Transport Deputy Minister Siripong Angsukulkiarti revealed on April 27 that following his inspection and policy handover to the State Railway Department, the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has tasked the Transport Ministry with accelerating development of the country's transportation system to be modern, efficient, and interconnected across all travel modes, ensuring the public receives convenient, safe, standard-compliant, and environmentally friendly services while supporting industrial and economic growth.
Following the enactment of the Railway Transport Act 2568, the State Railway Department, as the country's rail system overseer, must rapidly implement policies with concrete results. Four key policy areas have been assigned:
1. Reducing cost-of-living burden and elevating public safety: Regulate fares to be appropriate, fair, and aligned with energy price conditions, while accelerating the 40-baht all-day electric train fare policy expansion and studying sustainable zone-based fare structures. Simultaneously, support transport operators affected by rising energy and production costs to prevent fare increases. Public hearings are expected in September with results concluding by January 2570. Safety-wise, strict safety standards must be enforced throughout construction and operations, particularly contractor oversight for engineering compliance, equipment inspection readiness, and requiring large projects to carry accident insurance.
2. Stimulating the economy and accelerating major rail projects: Expedite fiscal year 2569 budget disbursement and prepare fiscal year 2570 budgets efficiently, considering value and maximum public benefit while reducing unnecessary spending. Accelerate quick-win projects including expediting double-track railway and ongoing construction for rapid service opening, improving freight transport efficiency, and developing Lat Krabang ICD to reduce logistics costs. Advance high-speed rail and major projects as planned, promote inter-agency integration, and develop government digital systems for speed, transparency, and accountability.
3. Promoting clean energy in rail transport: Support practical implementation of electric power in rail systems to reduce fossil fuel dependence, reduce air pollution and PM2.5, and align with the country's long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets.
4. Establishing infrastructure foundations and developing sustainable rail systems: Create systematic transportation network and infrastructure master plans considering value, appropriateness, and public benefit, while promoting private sector investment participation. Expedite priority projects including Phase 2 double-track railway, high-speed rail, and regional networks, plus connecting networks with neighboring countries. Additionally, emphasize improving service quality in cleanliness, safety, and comfort at stations and trains, incorporating technology in services, and developing personnel capabilities.
