BANGKOK, THAILAND – Bangkok’s metro system moved toward phasing out stored-value cards and tokens in favor of fully contactless EMV payments.
Timeline for phasing out old cards
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and operator Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) announced that existing MRT and MRT Plus stored-value cards on the Blue and Purple lines would no longer be accepted from 1 June 2026. From 1 April 2026, passengers would already be unable to top up these cards either online or at station ticket counters.
According to the operators, about 100,000 stored-value cards were currently in circulation. Passengers were advised to use remaining balances before the cut-off date or request a cash refund.
End of tokens and switch to QR tickets
Single-journey tokens were scheduled to be removed from the system on 1 January 2027. They would be fully replaced by QR-code tickets.
The change formed part of the broader transition to EMV-based payments across the network. The move was intended to standardize access media and simplify future ticketing options.
Lines, passenger volumes and validity
The shift affected the heavily used MRT Blue Line between Bang Sue – Hua Lamphong – Lak Song and the MRT Purple Line between Tao Poon and Bang Yai. On the Blue Line, around 500,000 to 600,000 passengers traveled daily, while the Purple Line counted 70,000 to 80,000 passengers per day.
The new Mangmoom EMV cards would be valid on all MRTA-supervised lines, including the Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink lines. They would also be accepted at merchants displaying the contactless symbol.
Free Mangmoom EMV card exchange
Holders of existing MRT or MRT Plus cards could exchange them free of charge for a Mangmoom EMV card at ticket counters in all stations from 1 March to 31 December 2026. The fee waiver applied to one EMV contactless card per person.
Authorities prepared a total of 100,000 Mangmoom cards for the exchange program, allocated by passenger group and line. The aim was to ensure that frequent users on both lines would have access to the new medium.
Allocation by line and passenger group
For the Blue Line, 56,000 adult cards, 8,000 senior cards and 17,000 student cards were set aside. On the Purple Line, 14,000 adult cards, 2,000 senior cards and 3,000 student cards were planned.
These volumes were intended to match demand patterns on each route. The distribution reflected the high share of adult commuters as well as senior and student riders.
Discounts preserved under new system
Passengers using Mangmoom EMV cards would keep their existing fare discounts, according to the operators. Thai citizens over 60 years old would continue to receive a 50 percent discount with the senior card.
Children up to 120 centimeters in height and up to a maximum age of 14 would still travel free of charge. Taller children and young people up to 23 years old would receive a 10 percent discount with a student card.
Current payment methods and acceptance
At the time of the announcement, passengers could still pay with single-use tokens, stored-value cards and contactless EMV credit cards from all banks. Debit cards from Krungthai Bank, UOB, Bank of Ayudhya, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank were also accepted.
The Mangmoom EMV card was usable on all MRTA-monitored lines and at merchants displaying the contactless symbol. This extended its function beyond transit to everyday purchases.
Purpose of the transition and digital link
A report in the newspaper Daily News stated that the complete switch to 100 percent EMV payments was intended to facilitate future integrated fare models. It was also designed to expand the use of contactless tickets.
The Mangmoom EMV card was linked with the “Paotang” app. Through this application, users could top up credit, view their usage history and report lost cards.
“The full transition to EMV payments will make future integrated fare models easier and further expand the use of contactless tickets.”
said Daily News, report source.
“Via the Paotang app, users can top up credit, view their usage history and report lost cards.”
said Daily News, report source.