Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport is set to revolutionize fare payment systems by adopting EMV Contactless cards, with the upgrade becoming effective from June 1, 2026. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) to enhance commuter convenience across the MRT network.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, emphasized the government's commitment to promoting an "integrated ticketing policy" aimed at simplifying fare payments and reducing travel costs for the public. The Integrated Ticketing System Management Act B.E. 2568 (2025), effective from December 28, 2025, has laid the groundwork for this transition. The goal is to enable seamless travel across various public transportation systems, including the MRT, BTS Skytrain, buses, and ferries, using a single EMV Contactless card. The phase-out of prepaid fare cards will begin on April 1, 2026, with a complete transition to EMV cards by June 1, 2026. A QR ticket system will replace single-trip tokens by January 1, 2027.
Mr. Kajorn Udomthamphakdi, Governor of the MRTA, stated that the acceptance of EMV Contactless cards across the MRT's Blue, Purple, Yellow, and Pink Lines has been successful, reflecting growing user confidence and adoption. The MRTA is working with BEM to upgrade the Automatic Fare Collection system to an Account Based Ticketing model, which will fully support EMV Contactless cards from June 1, 2026.
Mr. Anawat Suwanarit, Deputy Managing Director of BEM, highlighted the company's efforts over the past five years to integrate modern fare collection systems. The transition to EMV Contactless cards aims to position the MRT as a connectivity hub for urban transportation, aligning with the government's long-term integrated ticketing vision.
Mr. Thawatchai Cheewanont, Chief Product and Business Solutions Officer at Krungthai Bank, expressed the bank's role in enhancing fare payment systems. The bank has implemented international security standards to ensure secure transactions with the Mangmoom EMV card, supporting travel across six MRT lines and the Airport Rail Link. This initiative aligns with the bank's strategy to integrate transportation and financial services, contributing to sustainable improvements in quality of life.