New rules for ride-hailing

[Gaybutton]

Seems like every time we turn around, Thailand comes up with new rules. This time for ride-hailing services.
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New ride-hailing law to be enforced from October 2025

by THE NATION

September 17, 2025

Ride-hailing services have become an integral part of daily life in Thailand, with the market projected to reach 45 billion baht by 2025. Yet rapid growth has raised concerns over safety and fairness.

To address these issues, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) and related agencies have issued new regulations under the Digital Platform Services (DPS) law.

The rules, which take effect in October 2025, stipulate that ride-hailing drivers must hold a public driving licence and are prohibited from using another person’s identity to operate.

What the new ride-hailing platform rules mean

Ride-hailing platforms, once seen merely as intermediaries between drivers and passengers, will now be treated as “regulators and supervisors” under the new law. Their key responsibilities include:

Driver and vehicle verification:
Only vehicles registered as public transport may be used, and drivers must hold a valid public driving licence.

Strict identity checks (KYC):
Both riders and passengers must verify their identity with full name and national ID. Online applications must use trusted Digital ID systems such as ThaID, with verification required each time the service is accessed.

Transparent information display:
Passengers must always see essential details before booking, including driver’s name and photo, licence number, vehicle registration, GPS location, route, and clear fare.

Support and dispute resolution:
Platforms must provide emergency assistance and complaint channels, along with fair mechanisms to resolve disputes.

Protection of drivers’ rights:
Drivers must retain the right to accept or decline jobs, cancel rides, or agree to changes of destination under set conditions.

Service oversight:
Platforms must prevent impersonation or account-sharing, enforce penalties on violators, and ensure repeat offences are avoided.

Reporting to regulators:
Regular operational reports must be submitted to the Department of Land Transport and the ETDA.

The framework also clearly defines the responsibilities of platforms, drivers, and passengers, aiming to strengthen standards and public trust in the sector.

What drivers and passengers must prepare for under the new rules

Although the law does not directly target riders, stricter obligations on platforms mean drivers must adapt to keep their jobs and build passenger trust:

Eligibility requirements:
Use only vehicles registered as public transport.
Hold a valid public driving licence.
Complete identity verification with the platform.

Strict prohibitions:
No account-sharing or driving under another person’s name.
No use of unregistered vehicles or accepting jobs outside the platform.
Must follow traffic laws without exception.

Benefits and opportunities:
Credibility boost: stronger passenger trust leads to more bookings and higher earnings.
Better protection: rights to accept or decline jobs, and access to complaint or emergency channels directly through the platform.

Passengers stand to benefit most from the new regulation, enjoying a safer and more reliable ride-hailing experience.

Enhanced safety:
Assurance that all drivers are properly licensed and vehicles meet public transport standards.
Real-time GPS tracking throughout the journey.

Greater transparency and fairness:
Clear visibility of fares, routes, and estimated arrival times in advance, reducing risks of overcharging.
No more worries about off-platform services or mismatched drivers.

Rights protection:
Easy access to emergency assistance and complaint channels.
All journey data is recorded as evidence in case of disputes.

The new regulation is more than just an additional set of requirements — it lays the foundation for a balanced ride-hailing ecosystem in Thailand.

Platforms will gain greater credibility, drivers will enjoy fairer and more secure livelihoods, and passengers will benefit from safer, more reliable services. Ultimately, this framework is expected to drive stronger and more sustainable growth in Thailand’s digital economy.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40055527

[Gaybutton]

I don't know who or why anyone came up with these new regulations in the first place. I'm not aware of any particular problems that were occurring. People seemed quite satisfied with it and I'm not aware of any pressing complaints. Maybe I'm missing something, but it always seems that just when things are going well, somebody decides to impose unnecessary rules that were not properly thought through.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
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Riders Call for Urgent Reform Ahead of New Transport Regulations

By Adam Judd

October 2, 2025

As Thailand prepares to enforce new digital transport regulations on October 3, 2025, riders from across the country are raising their voices in unison, urging the government to modernize outdated systems and laws that threaten their livelihoods. Without swift intervention, thousands of drivers could face account suspensions from ride-hailing platforms, leading to income loss, mounting debt, and broader social and economic consequences.

Riders cite several bureaucratic hurdles that make legal compliance nearly impossible:

• License Appointment Bottlenecks: In many provinces, booking a public driving license appointment can take months. Walk-in options are limited due to understaffed offices and insufficient equipment. Even when riders complete requirements ahead of schedule, the system fails to cancel their original appointment, wasting valuable slots.
• Criminal Background Checks: What once took a day now drags on for weeks due to the breakdown of digital coordination between agencies like the Department of Corrections and the Department of Land Transport.
• Paper-Based Documentation: Riders must submit physical documents in person, with no digital integration between government systems and leasing companies. This leads to lost paperwork, redundant steps, and delays in registration.

Rider representatives from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chonburi have spoken out about the urgent need for reform:

• Monthita Praditpol (Bangkok): “We want to work legally, but the system doesn’t support us. The government must increase appointment quotas and simplify registration so we’re not denied the chance to support our families.”
• Korpakrit Chaipurivong (Phuket): “Phuket is a tourist hub. If riders are blocked due to impractical laws, it will hurt tourism, local services, and the economy. The government must collaborate with platforms and local agencies to find balanced solutions.”
• Natdanai Mongkolphongsakorn (Chiang Mai): “The law limits motorcycles to 125cc, but many riders use larger, safer vehicles. We need modern regulations like our neighbors that reflect real-world conditions.”
• Thotsaphon Kamor (Chonburi): “Many riders don’t own their motorcycles, but current laws don’t allow registration under a lessee’s or relative’s name. This inequality must be addressed urgently.”

Riders and stakeholders propose the following reforms:

• Upgrade License Booking Systems: Increase appointment quotas and enable automatic cancellation for completed applications to optimize access.
• Integrate Background Check Systems: Reconnect digital platforms between government agencies for faster, more accurate vetting.
• Digitize Document Handling: Create a unified digital system linking government offices and leasing companies to reduce errors and streamline registration.
• Modernize Vehicle Laws: Remove outdated engine capacity limits and simplify registration for app-based motorcycle taxis, including cases where the rider is not the legal owner.
• Implement Transition Measures: Provide a grace period and support programs to help riders adapt before full enforcement begins, minimizing disruption to livelihoods and the national economy.

This movement is more than a plea from a single profession—it’s a wake-up call for Thailand’s public systems to evolve with the digital age. As the country embraces AI and digital commerce, laws and infrastructure must reflect reality, reduce burdens on citizens, and create inclusive pathways for legal employment. Reforming these structural issues isn’t just about protecting riders—it’s about securing Thailand’s economic resilience in a rapidly changing world.

https://tpnnational.com/2025/10/02/ride ... gulations/

[KeithAmbrose]

It seems to be another example of complex new rules, that will be ignored, except to give the BIB a chance for more tea money.