Thailand’s state welfare card holders will soon be able to use the 750 baht/month travelling subsidy, provided by the government, to travel by boat, “song thaew” and other transport services provided by private operators.

Rachada Dhnadirek, deputy government spokesperson, said today (Tuesday) that the Finance Ministry has decided to offer more public transport choices to card holders.

Currently, card holders can only use public transport services provided by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (the city’s bus operator), the Transport Company, BTS, MRT, the State Railway of Thailand and the eastern high-speed train, linking Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports.

Private transport operators, including bus operators associated with the BMTA and Transport Company, taxi drivers and individuals who own a car, who are interested in joining this program, can apply to the Land Transport Department or provincial transport offices from August 1^st, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Boat operators can apply to the Marine Department or provincial marine offices, from August 1^ston the same days and times.

This program is due to launch on October 1^st, when transport operators will receive payments from state welfare card holders.

There are about 14 million card holders.