Flat train fare excludes tourists

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

The 20-baht flat fare for all electric train lines will become effective from Sept 30, with Thai passengers required to register for the programme via the Tang Rat application, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

The policy will allow Thai citizens to travel across all train lines with a maximum fare of 20 baht per trip, regardless of how many lines are used.

The flat fare scheme will be available only to Thai citizens, excluding foreign tourists and welfare cardholders, who must continue paying standard fares.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3000822/flat-train-fare-set-to-start-from-sept-30

 

[vinapu]

23 hours ago, reader said:

 

The flat fare scheme will be available only to Thai citizens, excluding foreign tourists and welfare cardholders, who must continue paying standard fares.

 

 

fine, we can live with that I guess

[reader]

Agree. All standard fares are bargain when compared to most other major cities. And all seniors are eligible for 50% discount fare on the MRT.

[Keithambrose]

37 minutes ago, reader said:

Agree. All standard fares are bargain when compared to most other major cities. And all seniors are eligible for 50% discount fare on the MRT.

Interesting  to hear about MRT. I thought it only applied to residents? Last time I tried, as a tourist, I was told it didn't apply to me.

[reader]

Just now, Keithambrose said:

Interesting  to hear about MRT. I thought it only applied to residents? Last time I tried, as a tourist, I was told it didn't apply to me.

Just found article from last Sept. 30, announcing that foreign seniors no longer eligible for discount. Must be part of amazing Thailand promotion. 🙁 

Got my card 18 months ago.

[Keithambrose]

32 minutes ago, reader said:

Just found article from last Sept. 30, announcing that foreign seniors no longer eligible for discount. Must be part of amazing Thailand promotion. 🙁 

Got my card 18 months ago.

Thanks. Indeed, part of promoting foreign  tourism! In Prague, everyone over 70 is free on public transport. 

[Patanawet]

On 4/12/2025 at 6:30 PM, Keithambrose said:

Interesting  to hear about MRT. I thought it only applied to residents? Last time I tried, as a tourist, I was told it didn't apply to me.

All oldies like me.
Except that it has been discontinued for a while now.

[reader]

From Pattaya Mail

Despite being one of the most visited countries in the world, Thailand continues to face a persistent and deadly problem: the lack of safety on its long-distance and tourist buses. The recent tragedy on the steep descent of Pu Thon Shrine Hill in Prachinburi, where a bus’s brakes failed and caused a fiery crash that killed seven and injured 53, is just the latest in a long series of horrific incidents. And the saddest part? It’s far from surprising.

Thailand’s road fatality rate remains among the highest in the world. While much of the focus has been on motorcycles, buses—particularly those operating on interprovincial or overnight routes—are frequently involved in deadly crashes. Often, the cause is a combination of mechanical failure, driver fatigue, and dangerously poor infrastructure. Many of the buses still in circulation are old, poorly maintained, and riddled with safety issues. Brakes fail, tires wear thin, and emergency exits are sometimes blocked or non-functional. Regulations exist but are unevenly enforced, and in some cases, blatantly ignored due to corruption or cost-cutting by operators.

Drivers often work long shifts for little pay, and the pressure to stay on schedule means speed is prioritized over safety. Some lack proper training for handling difficult routes—especially mountainous roads like the one where this recent accident occurred. Pu Thon Hill is notorious for its steep decline and winding curves, yet little has been done to make it safer, despite multiple fatal accidents there over the years.

Continues at

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/safety-over-savings-more-travelers-ditch-buses-for-trains-and-taxis-on-bangkok-pattaya-route-498414

 

[Keithambrose]

9 hours ago, reader said:

From Pattaya Mail

Despite being one of the most visited countries in the world, Thailand continues to face a persistent and deadly problem: the lack of safety on its long-distance and tourist buses. The recent tragedy on the steep descent of Pu Thon Shrine Hill in Prachinburi, where a bus’s brakes failed and caused a fiery crash that killed seven and injured 53, is just the latest in a long series of horrific incidents. And the saddest part? It’s far from surprising.

Thailand’s road fatality rate remains among the highest in the world. While much of the focus has been on motorcycles, buses—particularly those operating on interprovincial or overnight routes—are frequently involved in deadly crashes. Often, the cause is a combination of mechanical failure, driver fatigue, and dangerously poor infrastructure. Many of the buses still in circulation are old, poorly maintained, and riddled with safety issues. Brakes fail, tires wear thin, and emergency exits are sometimes blocked or non-functional. Regulations exist but are unevenly enforced, and in some cases, blatantly ignored due to corruption or cost-cutting by operators.

Drivers often work long shifts for little pay, and the pressure to stay on schedule means speed is prioritized over safety. Some lack proper training for handling difficult routes—especially mountainous roads like the one where this recent accident occurred. Pu Thon Hill is notorious for its steep decline and winding curves, yet little has been done to make it safer, despite multiple fatal accidents there over the years.

Continues at

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/safety-over-savings-more-travelers-ditch-buses-for-trains-and-taxis-on-bangkok-pattaya-route-498414

 

Not going to help tourism, or overseas image. Very sad.

[Olddaddy]

On 4/22/2025 at 7:03 PM, Patanawet said:

All oldies like me.
Except that it has been discontinued for a while now.

Well your only as old as you feel 

I guess with your walking stick 🏒 though it really makes you feel old .

[Keithambrose]

8 hours ago, Olddaddy said:

Well your only as old as you feel 

I guess with your walking stick 🏒 though it really makes you feel old .

Glad to see you are still playing ice hockey!

[vinapu]

12 hours ago, Olddaddy said:

Well your only as old as you feel 

 

truth is we are only as old as we in fact are

[Keithambrose]

5 hours ago, vinapu said:

truth is we are only as old as we in fact are

Although one feels older!