Bangkok: “Suriya” insists that the 20 baht flat-rate electric train is for the people, not capitalists. He asked back whether the Prachachon Party also has the same policy. He explained that the budget is 8 billion baht per year. He emphasized that there is a long-term study to continue it.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, reiterated the 20-baht flat-rate electric train initiative as a longstanding policy since his tenure began. The policy aims to alleviate the financial burden of public transport for citizens, potentially reducing pollution and dust. The Ministry of Finance has identified viable funding sources to support this initiative.

Mr. Suriya clarified that the annual budget of 8 billion baht would be derived from the income of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), with profits being reinvested to maintain the subsidy. He addressed claims by the People’s Party that the policy favored capitalists, asserting that the policy primarily benefits the public. The Secretary-General of the Council of State has endorsed the policy as people-focused.

The implementation of the policy is progressing incrementally, with ongoing studies on integrating air-conditioned buses and securing additional funding. Mr. Suriya noted the establishment of a committee to explore sustainable funding options and the possibility of introducing a traffic congestion tax, drawing insights from international practices.

Mr. Suriya dismissed suggestions that the policy push was election-related, emphasizing its pre-announcement for October 1st, independent of electoral timelines.