Bangkok: Monporn Charoensri has expressed her gratitude towards the Senate for passing the Common Ticket Act, a development she described as a 15-year wait finally coming to fruition.

According to Thai News Agency, Monporn thanked the Senate following its approval, emphasizing that the Common Ticket Act is one of three critical pieces of legislation that will support the implementation of the “20 Baht Flat Fare” electric train policy. The additional legislation includes the Rail Transport Act and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Act, both of which have received Senate approval.

Monporn, the former Deputy Minister of Transport, highlighted the significance of the Common Ticket Act among the three laws, as it establishes a unified ticketing system across all train lines. This includes the creation of a common ticket fund to manage fare discrepancies, ensuring a maximum fare of 20 baht for all lines without adversely affecting operators. Monporn stated that even if the Anutin Charnvirakul government chooses not to implement the law after its publication in the Royal Gazette, the Pheu Thai Party is prepared to enact the flat-rate system once they return to power.

She further expressed that the achievement is historic, noting the prolonged anticipation among Thai citizens for a common ticketing system. Monporn thanked various political figures and bodies for their support, including former Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra for his initial clear policy, and former Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit for leveraging the Prime Minister’s policy to guide necessary legal amendments. She also acknowledged former Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote’s role in coordinating efforts across different agencies to ensure the bill’s progress. Monporn concluded by appreciating the House of Representatives and the Senate for their careful consideration, which led to the bill’s passage and its pending enactment.