Riders and Taxi Drivers Rally Against Unfair Platform Practices

Bangkok: Riders and taxi drivers in Thailand have united to storm the National Human Rights Commission, bringing to light allegations against a popular ride-hailing app. The group accuses the app of enabling foreign nominees to set unfair prices, impacting local drivers' livelihoods. According to Thai News Agency, Members of Parliament from the People's Party received a formal complaint from five associations representing public transport drivers. These drivers have voiced concerns about the challenges they face when using platform-based applications or joining as driver partners under conditions set by these platforms. The letter was handed over by Mr. Worapol Kaemkhunthod, President of the Association of Professional Public Taxi Drivers, and Mr. Santi Patiphanarat, President of the Association of Electric Motorcycle Taxi Drivers, along with representatives from other transport associations. The drivers are caught between two legal frameworks: a regulation from the Ministry of Transport requiring proper ve hicle registration for platform-based services, and an announcement from the Electronic Transactions Commission under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. These laws, enacted in 2021 and 2025, respectively, took effect on March 31, 2026. Non-compliance results in suspension or revocation of services. Despite this, some platforms reportedly continue to exploit drivers by offering services that flout these laws, using illegal vehicles to undercut legitimate public transport drivers. Rising fuel prices compound the issue, as platforms maintain low fares, leaving drivers in a financial bind. The rider group is advocating for a standardized pricing model that reflects current economic conditions. They have called upon the People's Party to engage the relevant ministries to address these issues. Mr. Thanatharn Pramoonpong highlighted the issue of nominee schemes, where foreign nationals allegedly operate in tourist areas, particularly in Chonburi Province. This scheme is seen as diverting funds into unauth orized networks and involves identity theft. He urged the government to investigate and address these problems to prevent further economic disruption. Mr. Isariya Pairipaiyarith pointed out that these issues are not new and arise from legal loopholes. The lack of coordination between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society creates regulatory gaps. He noted that the traditional fare structures for taxis and motorcycle taxis have been disrupted by platforms, where drivers do not receive the full fare due to commission deductions. The People's Party plans to leverage parliamentary committees to summon both ministries for discussion and push for legislative amendments to close these oversight gaps. Mr. Anusorn Thammajai added that the current oil crisis exacerbates the situation by increasing operating costs for drivers who were already earning low wages. He suggested that the government negotiate with platform companies for a fairer profit-sharing model. In the long term, he a dvocated for platform workers to receive labor protections equivalent to those in the regular employment sector. Mr. Kantapong Prayursak identified three primary concerns: unfair registration processes, price fluctuations, and lack of control over gross profit fees. He stressed the need for discussions with agencies such as the Department of Land Transport, ETDA, and the Office of the Competition Commission. He questioned the effectiveness of existing laws, suggesting they are insufficient in addressing the challenges faced by public transport drivers, platforms, and consumers. He emphasized the urgency of these discussions to ensure a fair and thriving ecosystem for all parties involved.