BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s land transport authority launched a new QR code system in public taxis designed to improve passenger safety, fare transparency and service monitoring.
QR-based system launched for taxi safety
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) officially introduced the “Taxi Dee Prom” system, built on QR codes and the existing DLT GPS NOTICE smartphone application. The project aimed to tackle long-standing concerns over safety, fare clarity and driver conduct, particularly in the Bangkok metropolitan area.
Real-time checks and direct complaints
During the presentation, DLT Director-General Sorapong Phaithoonphong explained that scanning a taxi’s QR code gave passengers immediate access to data on the driver, license plate, vehicle details, licensing status and a preliminary fare estimate. At the same time, the system recorded trips in real time and offered a direct complaint channel that forwarded reports straight to the responsible units within the authority.
Three QR colors with distinct roles
The DLT equipped registered taxis free of charge with three different colored QR stickers, each placed in a clearly defined position on the vehicle. A purple code on the windshield allowed the driver to confirm their identity before starting a shift, a blue sticker in the rear passenger area provided ride information and rating options, while a red code on the exterior was intended for urgent complaints about excessive fares or risky driving.
Rollout targets and coverage plan
According to the authority, some 78,894 public taxis were currently registered nationwide, including about 6,400 electric vehicles, and 8,132 vehicles had already been fitted with the new QR codes at the launch date. On average, around 500 additional taxis were being equipped each day, with the DLT aiming for full coverage of all registered taxis by June 2026 and prioritizing Bangkok and surrounding areas as the pilot region.
Fines, budget and future expansion
Drivers who failed to display the QR codes visibly or did not carry out the required verification scans faced fines of up to 1,000 baht under existing vehicle regulations, and repeat violations could trigger a review of their driving license. The project, with an investment volume of around 1.9 million baht, formed part of a broader digitalization strategy in public transport, and after six months of full operation the DLT planned to analyze the data and consider extending the system to motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks or buses.
Passenger participation and service ratings
The authority explicitly called on passengers to install the DLT GPS NOTICE app on iOS or Android in order to actively use the new safety and complaint features. Through ratings on cleanliness, politeness, driving style and drivers’ attire, the DLT aimed to build a robust picture of service quality that could support a more transparent and accountable taxi system over the long term.