BANGKOK, THAILAND – A new three-color QR code system in taxis allowed passengers to verify drivers, track journeys in real time and file complaints directly with state agencies.
New digital safety standard for taxi operations
The Department of Land Transport said it had begun installing special QR stickers in around 70,000 taxis currently in service. According to the agency, the full rollout was scheduled to be completed by June 2026 to create a unified digital control standard for taxi services.
Three colors, three distinct functions
The system used three clearly distinguishable colors: a purple code near the driver’s seat for identity checks, a blue code on the rear left side window for passenger information, and a red code on the outside of the left rear door for urgent complaints. Through the blue code, passengers could obtain a fare estimate before the ride and later submit a satisfaction rating and praise for the driver after arrival.
Driver verification linked to Thai ID
All QR codes were linked to the driver’s Thai ID and provided information on identity, vehicle, service history, past ratings and the current trip status. After scanning, the full name of the driver, the license plate number, and registration and training details were displayed, which authorities said reduced the risk of impostors or fraudulent drivers.
Live tracking and shareable trip data
Passengers could scan the QR code even before getting into the taxi and share the resulting trip data online with trusted contacts. Once the driver confirmed their identity in the system, a GPS-like record of location and route began in real time, creating a traceable data trail in case of disputes.
Red emergency code for rapid complaints
The red QR code was intended specifically for urgent complaints, for example if a driver refused to take a passenger or behaved inappropriately. According to the responsible authority, this code was directly connected to government databases so that complaints could be processed quickly, transparently and in a way that could be reviewed.
Debate over control and safety
QR codes were designed to make drivers verifiable, enable live tracking of rides and speed up complaints.
“QR codes are intended to make drivers verifiable, track journeys live and accelerate the handling of complaints,”
said The Nation, media outlet.