The State Railway of Thailand Embraces 4.0 Era with Kasikorn Bank Now Accepting Train Ticket Payments via QR Code

Today (July 5, 2018) at Bangkok Station, the State Railway of Thailand, in collaboration with Kasikorn Bank, held a press conference to announce the launch of QR Code payment for train tickets through automatic card payment machines. This initiative aims to create a "new cashless railway society" and provide more options for passengers in the 4.0 era. The event was attended by Mr. Worawut Mala, Deputy Governor of Asset Management Business Group, acting as the Governor of the Railways, and Mr. Patchar Somalapha, Managing Director of Kasikorn Bank.

Mr. Worawut stated that the railway has introduced QR Code payment through automatic card payment machines to enhance the efficiency of ticket payment, making it more convenient, faster, and safer, while providing a new option for users. This system supports a cashless society and Thailand 4.0. Recently, the railway has collaborated with Kasikorn Bank to install automatic card payment machines to accept ticket payments via Visa and MasterCard. Today marks a significant step towards a new cashless railway society with the introduction of QR Code payments, which can be scanned through mobile banking on smartphones from all banks. This service is available at 56 major stations with a total of 140 machines, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, Hat Yai Junction, and Chumphon, with Bangkok having the highest number of installations at 14 machines. In the future, more automatic card payment machines will be gradually installed to ensure comprehensive service for the public.

Mr. Patchar Somalapha, Managing Director of Kasikorn Bank, revealed that the bank has developed QR Code payment systems for various forms of public transport, including airplanes, boats, and public buses. The railway is a long-standing mode of transport for Thai people, offering a unique travel experience, and attracts a large number of daily users, including locals commuting and tourists seeking to experience train travel. Today's collaboration caters to the changing lifestyles of the public, providing Thai train passengers with faster and more convenient service, and further supporting the development of a cashless society. Additionally, QR Code ticket payments will help reduce management costs for the railway and lessen the burden on railway staff.

Currently, the number of train passengers nationwide, both Thai and foreign, is approximately 2.4 million per month, or about 80,000 per day, with an increasing trend due to the growth of Thai tourism, especially following the construction of future rail transport systems, including dual-track and high-speed trains, which are more modern. At present, over 92% of passengers still prefer to pay for train tickets in cash, with only 6% using credit cards. Therefore, the modern train services and the growing consumer familiarity with QR Code payments present an opportunity for expansion, as this service aligns with the changing lifestyles of consumers.

Mr. Worawut further mentioned that the railway has trained staff on how to use the QR Code payment system through automatic card payment machines to facilitate ticket sales at stations. Passengers can contribute to creating a "new cashless railway society" and can inquire for more information at all railway stations or contact the customer service center at 1690, available 24 hours a day, or visit the website www.railway.co.th or the Facebook fan page of the State Railway of Thailand PR team.

Thank you for the information from www.kasikornbank.com