The 30-year concession for the BTS Green Line, operated by BTSC, expires in 2029, after which assets transfer to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The BMA is studying a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a proposal due by June 2026, and plans for a bidding process to select a private operator by March 2028.
BTSC holds separate contracts for operations and maintenance until 2042, meaning any new operator must pay management fees to BTSC. The Green Line, Thailand’s first electric rail project launched in 1999, spans 68.25 km with 60 stations. The BMA has invested in extensions, with ongoing debt of around 34 billion baht in unpaid fees for operation and maintenance.
The BMA is reviewing the future management model, considering the PPP Gross Cost model, which involves government revenue from fares and advertising, with the government bearing revenue risk. BTSC has expressed interest in bidding for the core line management post-2029, but their current contract runs until 2042.
Efforts to renew BTSC’s concession since 2020 have faced rejection and delays. The BMA’s outstanding debts involve several court rulings requiring payment to BTSC, totaling around 34 billion baht, which are scheduled for settlement in the coming years.