Bangkok– A smooth and practical transition to full regulatory compliance will be a key factor in ensuring the long-term stability of Thailand’s app-based ride-hailing ecosystem, especially as the country enters the phase of enforcing regulations for these services.
A seminar titled “Transitioning to Regulatory Compliance for App-Based Ride-Hailing Services in Thailand” was recently held at Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit. Panelists included Dr. Sutthikorn Kingkaew, an economist; Dr. Salilthorn Thongmeensuk, a legal scholar; representatives from drivers; and representatives from ride-hailing platform Bolt Thailand. They discussed how policy goals and regulations can be effectively translated into practical implementation.
Although Thailand has made significant progress in developing a regulatory framework for app-based ride-hailing services, including driver and vehicle requirements under the Department of Land Transport and platform-related requirements under the Electronic Transactions Development Agency, the panelists agreed that the next challenge lies not in the principles of the regulations, but in ensuring effective and practical enforcement.
One of the key issues discussed was the gap between the intent of the regulations and actual outcomes. From drivers’ experiences, several obstacles remain in the process of legally registering, including the complexity of vehicle registration, high costs of public vehicle insurance, fees related to leasing or financing, difficulties in obtaining required documents, and lengthy processing times for document verification and identity confirmation.
These barriers are wide because app-based ride-hailing has become an increasingly important source of income and economic activity in Thailand. Previous research found that 93% of drivers reported an improvement in their household financial status after joining the platforms, while nearly one-third earn up to 40,000 baht per month. In addition, the Thai ride-hailing market continues to show strong growth, with the number of users projected to exceed 16 million by 2030, and the industry expected to generate majorly increased economic value.
The panelists also spoke to the importance of viewing app-based ride-hailing as a “two-sided market,” where the number of drivers directly affects service availability for passengers. If enforcement moves faster than the readiness of drivers and supporting systems, it could lead to unintended consequences such as a reduction in the number of drivers, longer waiting times, higher fares during peak hours, and a shift toward unregulated transport services that may lack the same standards of safety and consumer protection. This shows the need for balanced and appropriate enforcement guidelines that preserve both regulatory objectives and overall system stability.
Dr. Sutthikorn Kingkaew stated that app-based ride-hailing plays a crucial role as a “Feeder System” for public transportation, particularly in areas not well served by mass transit. Connecting homes, workplaces, and transport hubs not only enhances convenience for citizens but also improves overall economic efficiency. If ride-hailing services cannot operate efficiently, the benefits of public transport investments by the government may not be fully realized.
He added that the core concept behind app-based ride-hailing is the “Sharing Economy”: Maximizing the use of existing resources. Private cars or motorcycles, which owners use only part-time, can be utilized to generate additional income and increase vehicle supply during peak periods. Therefore, the government should consider flexible approaches for part-time drivers, without imposing the same costs or conditions as full-time drivers, to ensure efficient resource utilization and drive growth in the digital economy era.
Dr. Sutthikorn further noted that if Thailand wants to escape the middle-income trap and avoid prolonged slow economic growth, it must update its regulations to keep pace with the modern world, so that outdated laws do not become obstacles to digital economy development and national competitiveness.
From a legal perspective, Dr. Salilthorn Thongmeensuk pointed out that many countries have established specific legal categories for app-based ride-hailing services, separate from traditional taxis. In countries such as Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, the regulatory framework centers on the platform, requiring platforms to verify drivers, collect trip data, and support safety measures. At the same time, governments can still effectively track vehicles in the system through formal registration. Many countries have adopted more flexible approaches, such as using stickers instead of fully changing license plate types, which can help reduce barriers for drivers.
Montita Praditphon reflected that many drivers are willing to comply with regulations but still face practical obstacles, including high costs, time-consuming processes, and certain requirements that do not align with the actual working conditions of app-based drivers, especially part-time drivers or those using ride-hailing as supplementary income after regular work. If the process and costs of entering the system remain too high, some drivers may choose to leave or be unable to join, resulting in lost income opportunities and, in some cases, affecting their families’ main source of income, particularly during times of economic fragility when many people rely on this type of work to cover living expenses and financial burdens.
Suphattha Niamwanichkul, Head of Public Policy at Bolt Thailand, said: “The app-based ride-hailing business in Thailand has made significant progress toward regulatory compliance. However, the remaining challenge is to make the process more accessible and practical for drivers. Many drivers are willing to comply but are still constrained by costs and procedural limitations. Therefore, close cooperation between government agencies, platforms, insurance companies, leasing firms, and drivers is extremely important.”
Bolt also pointed out its ongoing efforts to support drivers through various initiatives, including assistance at One-Stop Service centers at transport offices, facilitation of public driving licenses, and teamwork on insurance and financing to help drivers more easily complete public vehicle registration.
The panelists unanimously agreed that a successful full transition to regulatory compliance can only be achieved through close work between regulatory authorities, platforms, and drivers. Key factors for a smoother transition include improving the practical efficiency of the registration process, developing and applying digital systems to efficiently support drivers nationwide, and setting enforcement timelines that align with drivers’ readiness and the actual conditions of the industry.
This seminar is part of broader efforts to support evidence-based policy dialogue on the future of the platform economy in Thailand. By creating a space for individuals from various sectors to exchange views and real-world experiences, it helps generate valuable insights for policy design and supports the stable, inclusive, and sustainable long-term development of the app-based ride-hailing industry in Thailand.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
