Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party is urging the Bhumjaithai Party to revive its 40 baht all-day electric train fare initiative to alleviate financial burdens on residents of Bangkok and neighboring areas, following the decision against implementing the 20 baht all-way fare policy.
According to Thai News Agency, Danupon Punnakanta, spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the decision by Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul not to implement Pheu Thai’s 20-baht flat-rate electric train project. He acknowledged that it is within the new government’s rights to decide on the continuation of previous policies. The Pheu Thai Party’s 20-baht policy was primarily designed to reduce costs and enhance the quality of life for people. Although the Prime Minister views public assistance as a governmental burden, citing compensation to the private sector, the Bhumjaithai Party’s 2023 campaign included a 40-baht all-day train policy as a viable solution for Bangkok residents, asserting that fare costs should not hinder access for any group.
The Bhumjaithai Party’s policy supports issuing daily train tickets for 40 baht, allowing unlimited trips, to help citizens manage their expenses. As the Pheu Thai Party’s 20 baht policy faces abolition, there is a call to reintroduce the 40 baht policy to ease financial strain on those in Bangkok and its vicinity. Despite lacking representation in Bangkok, the Bhumjaithai Party’s policy is seen as beneficial for residents. The Pheu Thai Party urges the prompt implementation of this policy, emphasizing its importance even if the current government has a brief tenure.