BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s land transport authority rolled out a new digital platform, “Taxi Dee Prom,” aiming to make taxi rides in the capital safer, more transparent and more convenient.
Digital system for Bangkok’s taxis
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) launched the “Taxi Dee Prom” system to provide new digital functions for taxi passengers in Bangkok. The platform was designed to give traditional street taxis a more modern, app-supported structure.
According to Sorapong Paitoonphong, director-general of the DLT, the project was intended to modernise public taxi services and align them with digital lifestyles while also improving passenger safety. The system was scheduled to be fully integrated into all registered taxis in the capital by June.
Functions in the DLT GPS NOTICE app
Through the DLT GPS NOTICE mobile application, passengers could check driver information, track trips and estimate fares. They were also able to send feedback or complaints in real time.
The agency viewed the app as a tool to increase transparency in the taxi sector and to better document and analyse conflicts between drivers and passengers. It expected that the digital records would support more systematic handling of disputes and service issues.
QR codes in three colours
The system relied on QR codes linking drivers and passengers to the DLT GPS NOTICE platform. Stickers in three different colours were placed on taxis for distinct purposes.
Violet stickers were reserved for drivers to confirm their identity and were positioned at the upper right corner of the front windshield. Blue stickers on the rear side windows allowed passengers to access information and submit ratings, while red stickers were used for reporting service problems.
Scale and rollout status
According to the authority, 78,894 taxis were registered in Bangkok and were to be fully integrated into the new system. The figures underlined the scale of the digital transformation planned for the capital’s taxi fleet.
At the time of reporting, 8,132 vehicles already carried QR-code stickers, and 3,620 drivers were actively using the application. The DLT intended to complete the rollout to all registered taxis by June.
More safety and control for passengers
By scanning the red QR codes, passengers could view the driver’s photo, name, vehicle details and licence status. This direct access to verified information was expected to strengthen confidence in taxi services.
The DLT expressed hope that quick identification of drivers and the option to file complaints directly would increase passengers’ sense of security. The authority believed it could also sanction misconduct in the taxi sector more effectively through the new digital tools.
Would passengers really use it?
The initiative raised the question of how consistently riders would engage with the system. Passengers were invited to use QR codes to check drivers, estimate fares and submit complaints directly, giving them more control over each ride.
However, the discussion also touched on whether the platform would genuinely improve safety or remain a largely cosmetic digital layer without substantial impact. The original call asked readers whether they would scan before every trip and to share their views in the comments.