The Government of Thailand has announced plans to finance its proposed acquisition of electric rail concessions in Greater Bangkok through a combination of funding from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and a dedicated infrastructure fund. The buyback programme, valued at up to THB200 billion, is intended to enable the government to implement an integrated fare policy and reduce public transport costs across Bangkok’s urban rail network.
According to the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), the government plans to raise capital through multiple issuances of infrastructure fund units, targeting approximately THB80 billion per issuance until the required funding is secured. The concession valuation is based on the future cash flows and remaining benefits available to private concessionaires. Officials noted that the final acquisition cost may be lower than THB200 billion, particularly for lines such as the Green Line, whose concession expires in 2029. The infrastructure fund will not be classified as public debt and is expected to attract investors due to its relatively low-risk profile and estimated annual returns of 6–7%.
The concession buyback supports the government’s broader public transport reform programme, including the introduction of a unified fare system across Bangkok’s electric rail network. The cabinet has approved a common ticketing scheme with fares ranging from THB17 to THB45 per journey, allowing passengers to transfer between rail lines using a single payment. The Ministry of Transport aims to launch the integrated fare system on January 1, 2027, supported by a central clearing house to manage fare collection across multiple rail operators.
