Connecting Phuket International Airport, Rawai, and the Old Town “Dragon Line” with seamless, cashless travel
(second-left) Mr. Dheeraj Raina, senior vice president and head of Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC), Southeast Asia, Mastercard; (center) Mr. Vytot Upatising, Chief Executive Officer, Phuket City Development Co., Ltd.; and (second-right) Mr. Nirat Pongsitthithaworn, Governor of Phuket Province, mark the official launch of Tap & Go EMV contactless payments on the Phuket Smart Bus. The initiative enables seamless, cashless travel across key routes connecting Phuket International Airport, Rawai, and Phuket Old Town, supporting Phuket’s ambition to become a world-class smart tourism destination.
PHOTO CREDIT-MASTER CARD.
Phuket is taking another step toward becoming a world-class smart tourism destination with the launch of Tap & Go EMV contactless payments on the Phuket Smart Bus. Phuket City Development Co., Ltd. (PKCD), operator of the Phuket Smart Bus, has teamed up with Mastercard as the key technology provider and Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited as the payment backend provider to enable cashless, open-loop payments on electric buses across two major routes connecting Phuket International Airport, Rawai, and Phuket Old Town.
According to the Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Trends 2025 report, Phuket ranked as Thailand’s No.1 culinary destination in 2024 and eighth globally among cities attracting food-loving travelers from the most diverse range of nationalities. These insights highlight Phuket’s growing appeal among international travelers and the increasing need for streamlined, intuitive mobility solutions that match global visitor expectations.
“As a leading global tourism destination, Phuket needs transport solutions that are as seamless as the journeys travelers expect,” Mr. Dheeraj Raina, senior vice president and head of Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC), Southeast Asia, Mastercard, said. “Mastercard is proud to enable Tap & Go EMV contactless payments on the Phuket Smart Bus, allowing residents and visitors to travel easily, securely, and without cash. This collaboration supports Phuket’s vision to become a smart tourism city connected to the global digital economy.”
Powered by Mastercard’s open-loop payment technology, the Tap & Go system allows passengers to simply tap their contactless credit or debit cards to ride the Phuket Smart Bus. This eliminates the need for tickets, top-ups, or cash, delivering a smoother travel experience for both residents and international visitors, particularly those arriving at Phuket International Airport. At the same time, it helps transit operators reduce fare collection costs and improve operational efficiency.
Where Tap & Go is Available
The EMV contactless system is now live on two key routes that support tourism, local mobility, and economic activity across Phuket:
Phuket International Airport – Rawai Route
This key route connects Phuket’s main gateway with major destinations along the west coast, including hotels, beaches, and communities. It provides travelers with a safe, convenient, and cashless way to travel from the airport to popular tourist areas.
The “Dragon Line” – Phuket Old Town Loop
Originally launched as a pilot route, the Dragon Line has now been officially designated as a concession route. Designed specifically for travel within Phuket Old Town, the electric bus service connects cultural attractions, Sino-Portuguese architecture, historic streets, and creative districts. The route supports sustainable tourism by reducing private vehicle use and minimizing environmental impact in the Old Town area.
“The introduction of EMV contactless payments on key routes such as the Airport–Rawai line and the Phuket Old Town loop marks a significant milestone in modernizing Phuket’s public transportation system to meet international standards,” Vytot Upatising, CEO of Phuket City Development Co., Ltd., said. “Our collaboration with Mastercard, supported by Krungthai Bank’s payment expertise, enhances travel convenience, reduces reliance on cash, and elevates the overall travel experience for all passengers.”
The official launch and live demonstration took place at Phuket City Development Co., Ltd., presided over by Mr. Nirat Phongsitthaworn, Governor of Phuket Province. The event highlighted Phuket’s readiness to become a smart tourism destination that is seamlessly connected to the global digital economy.
With this launch, Phuket joins more than 390 cities worldwide that have adopted contactless payments in public transportation systems, alongside global cities such as London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney.
