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Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced a comprehensive transport agenda during the four months leading up to parliament’s dissolution, ensuring all civil servants and units within the Ministry of Transport will operate at full capacity.
He revealed projects totaling 38 billion baht that are ready for tender in this period, encompassing three major initiatives:
- Red Line suburban train expansion, including Taling Chan-Salaya and Taling Chan-Siriraj segments, with a budget of 15.176 billion baht
- Dark Red Line extension from Rangsit to Thammasat University, costing 6.473 billion baht
- Phuket Expressway Phase 1, connecting Kathu to Patong over 3.98 km, valued at 16.757 billion baht
Additionally, pending projects from previous administrations are being prepared for Cabinet review, including phases of the southern double-track rail:
- Chumphon to Surat Thani, 168 km, 30.423 billion baht
- Surat Thani to Hat Yai to Songkhla, 321 km, 66.271 billion baht
- Hat Yai to Padang Besar, 45 km, 7.773 billion baht
Regarding metro fares and costs, Phiphat clarified that the previous 20-baht flat fare on the Purple and Red Lines, set to end on September 30, 2026, will revert to its original price starting October 1, 2025, following the change in government. The new administration aims to develop a fare package covering land, water, and rail travel to ease the cost of living.
The concept of a single-ticket fare is under review, with careful analysis to balance budget sustainability and public benefit. Historical data show that the 20-baht policy has cost nearly 20 billion baht annually, primarily benefiting Bangkok metro users and offering limited advantages to residents in other provinces.