Bangkok: The Thai Ministry of Transport has unveiled its participation in the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" initiative, aimed at alleviating public transportation costs for citizens. This initiative, effective from June 1 to September 30, 2026, will span four months and is accessible via the Paotang app.
According to Thai News Agency, the government is committed to reducing the cost of living for its citizens through the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" project. This program allows citizens to avail subsidies for public transportation, including buses, intercity travel, electric trains, and ferries, with the objective of lowering daily travel expenses and enhancing public transport accessibility.
The initiative requires citizens to register daily between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM through the "Paotang" application. The government will cover 60% of the travel costs, adhering to conditions specific to each travel type. This measure is part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden on citizens amid economic recovery.
The project encompasses several transportation systems:
Passengers can use the "Paotang" app to directly pay fares to collectors on all BMTA buses.
Travelers on interprovincial buses can purchase tickets with government subsidies up to 200 baht per day at 139 bus stations nationwide.
MRT and BTS users can buy single-trip tickets via the "Paotang" app for Blue, Purple, Yellow, and Pink MRT lines as well as all BTS lines.
Chao Phraya Express Boat users can access privileges at specified payment points like Sathorn, Icon Siam, and Taksin Bridge.
Moreover, the government has broadened eligibility for state welfare cardholders to include travel on "Thai Smile Bus (TSB) electric buses" since May 28. Presently, 23 routes are operational, and this will expand to all 124 routes by June 15, 2026. Users can pay fares using their national ID card via the EDC system on the bus, enhancing convenience, minimizing cash use, and boosting public transportation connectivity efficiency.