MRT to scrap old MRT cards and tokens

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MRT to Scrap Old MRT Cards and Tokens

By Georgealbert

February 27, 2026

From 1 June 2026, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) will discontinue the use of MRT and MRT Plus stored-value cards on the MRT Blue and Purple lines, accepting only EMV contactless cards for entry. Passengers will no longer be able to top up MRT and MRT Plus cards from 1 April 2026, either online or at stations. From 1 January 2027, single-journey tokens will also be withdrawn and replaced by QR code ticketing.

The change affects the MRT Blue Line, operating between Bang Sue–Hua Lamphong–Lak Song, and the MRT Purple Line, running from Tao Poon to Bang Yai. Around 100,000 MRT and MRT Plus cards are currently in circulation. Passengers are encouraged to use up any remaining balance before switching to EMV cards, with refunds available in cash for unused funds.

Cardholders can exchange their existing cards for a Mangmoom EMV card free of charge at ticket offices at all stations between 1 March and 31 December 2026. The fee waiver applies to one EMV Contactless card per person. Authorities have prepared 100,000 Mangmoom EMV cards for exchange, divided by passenger type and line.

For the Blue Line, 56,000 Adult cards, 8,000 Senior cards and 17,000 Student cards have been allocated. For the Purple Line, 14,000 Adult cards, 2,000 Senior cards and 3,000 Student cards are available. The Blue Line currently carries 500,000–600,000 passengers daily, while the Purple Line records 70,000–80,000 passengers per day.

Passengers using Mangmoom EMV cards will continue to receive existing concessions. Thai nationals aged over 60 qualify for a 50% discount with a Senior card. Children not exceeding 120cm in height and aged no more than 14 travel free, while those over 120cm and aged up to 23 receive a 10% discount with a Student card.

At present, fare payment options include single-use tokens, stored-value cards, EMV contactless credit cards from all banks, and debit cards from Krungthai Bank, UOB, Bank of Ayudhya, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank. Mangmoom EMV cards can be used across all MRTA-supervised lines, including the Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink lines, and at retailers displaying the Contactless symbol.

Daily News reported the transition to 100% EMV payment is intended to support future integrated fare policies and encourage wider adoption of contactless travel. The Mangmoom EMV card also connects to the “Paotang” application, enabling users to top up funds, check usage history and report lost cards.

https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/mrt- ... kens-r315/

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Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to launch full account-based ticketing system on June 1

By Pattaya Mail

February 28, 2026

BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport is moving forward with its common ticket policy, with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) set to launch a full Account-Based Ticketing system on June 1. The upgrade aims to modernize the country’s rail network and enable passengers to use a single payment method across multiple public transportation systems.

The development follows the enactment of the Joint Ticketing System Management Act, which took effect on Dec. 28, 2025. The law allows commuters to use EMV, credit, or debit cards for seamless travel, reducing the need for separate tickets and simplifying fare payments across services.

The MRTA has already introduced EMV contactless payment on the Blue, Purple, Yellow, and Pink MRT lines. Passengers can tap credit cards, debit cards, or EMV-enabled Mangmoom cards at entry and exit gates without purchasing tokens or stored-value tickets. This rollout sets the stage for the transition to the new Account-Based Ticketing platform.

In cooperation with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited, the MRTA will upgrade its existing fare collection system to support full ABT operations beginning June 1. Officials said the system will improve connectivity across transit networks and encourage broader adoption of digital payment options for daily travel.

https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnew ... e-1-537437

[khuntst]

WOW what a confusing business... At Lumphini MRT Station first-timers have no idea how to get out because you have VISA turnstiles and token ones that will also accept the MRT card but not vice versa...

I was able to top up my MRT card no problem but when I wanted to top up my Rabbit Card (for the Sky Train) I had to pay 150baht for a re-issue card for some reason or other...

In Hong Kong my Octopus keeps working across all transport modes, shops etc. etc. even though it is decades old...

[Gaybutton]

when I wanted to top up my Rabbit Card (for the Sky Train) I had to pay 150baht for a re-issue card for some reason or other...

I'm wondering about that too. I don't understand why they are not going to permit people to use what they have already paid for until there are simply no more left to use rather than forcing people to buy new payment methods. And who can be sure how long it will be before those also become invalid?

It seems weird to me that while they want high tourist numbers they keep unnecessarily making things more difficult for tourists.