Thailand’s stricter ride-hailing rules: what’s changing?
Thailand is rolling out tougher safety laws for ride-hailing from October. The focus? Boost trust, security, and transparency. The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) says platforms must now act as active regulators, not just middlemen.
From autumn, both drivers and riders need to verify their identities with digital tools like ThaID. Drivers will need public driving licences and only registered cars count. Every login is tracked. No more sharing or borrowing accounts, either.
Mixed reactions: drivers and firms respond
The news lands heavily for big names in the market. Grab Thailand is already nudging drivers to register their cars as Ror Yor 18 vehicles. Drivers get support – and a nudge with incentives. But Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, Grab’s country chief, admits there are hurdles. Only car owners can register, making life tricky for people who lease or rent.
LINE MAN Wongnai’s bosses echo the same worries. Isriya Paireepairit, 41, vice president of public affairs, wants simpler steps—like granting licences online from the Department of Land Transport. ‘Easier processes reduce red tape and boost legal compliance,’ he insists.
Will the shake-up last? The future for ride-hailing in Thailand
Lalamove Thailand isn’t sugar-coating the challenge, either. Ben Lin, 37, managing director, says changing the system takes time and real teamwork from drivers, users, platforms, and the government. Over at Bolt Thailand, the company says it’s already helped tens of thousands of drivers get public licences.
Officials are adamant: these new rules will push Thailand’s ride-hailing scene towards global standards and keep safety front and centre. Their vision is a sustainable service where both users and firms benefit and trust sits at the heart of every journey.