At 2:00 PM on May 28, the Thai House of Representatives held a special session to consider the draft law on the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), submitted by the Cabinet. Deputy Transport Minister Monporn Charoensri presented the bill, which aims to authorize MRTA to manage joint ticketing systems, streamline transit, and generate revenue through asset development such as commercial space rentals and advertising.
It also allows MRTA to issue government bonds or financial instruments beyond investment purposes, and simplifies fare-setting by requiring only the approval of the Transport Minister, not the Cabinet.
MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth (People’s Party) criticized the bill as a rushed attempt to fund the government's "20-baht flat fare" campaign using MRTA’s 16 billion baht reserve, arguing it doesn't offer long-term solutions. He listed four objections: its rushed submission, major differences from public consultations, lack of meaningful reform for MRTA, and shortsighted fare control.
In support, MP Chanint Rungthanakiat (Pheu Thai) argued the bill corrects long-standing inefficiencies in the rail system caused by fragmented private concessions and duplicate fare structures. He emphasized Pheu Thai's plan to roll out the 20-baht unified fare with a new joint ticketing system by September, adding that increased ridership would offset reduced per-person revenue.
MP Juti Krairiksh (United Thai Nation) questioned the policy’s sustainability and raised concerns about MRTA's 600-billion-baht debt. He warned against using public funds from nationwide taxpayers to subsidize a regional fare policy.
The House approved the draft in principle with 295 votes in favor, 144 against, one abstention, and two not voting. A 25-member ad hoc committee was appointed for further review, including 6 from the Cabinet and 19 MPs from various parties.