The Thai government has enforced stricter rules on app-based ride-sharing services from Tuesday 31March.
New rules for ride-sharing apps
Rules are changing for ride-sharing operators and drivers in Thailand as the government creates its first legal framework for the industry. Representatives from the country’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) and Department of Land Transport confirmed the new laws in a livestream.
From 31 March, ride-sharing drivers must have a public driving license, which has more requirements compared to a regular license. Requirements for a public driving license include:
- The license holder must be at least 22 years old for car drivers and 20 years old for motorcycle drivers
- Criminal background checks
- Registered cars must not be more than 9 years old
- Registered motorcycles must have an engine capacity of 50-125mL
Drivers must be verified by the platform itself and are required to have their own system to do so.
No longer ride-sharing “middlemen”
Under the new regulation, ride-sharing platforms assume an active role in providing services. By complying to the new laws, platforms become more involved in passenger and driver safety.
In addition to their duties, platforms must confirm vehicles and drivers as properly registered under the platform. They must also provide standardised services to ensure passenger confidence.
The government also added rules for passengers’ in-app experiences. Platforms must now provide
- Clear fare information
- Pick-up and drop-off point details
- Communication channels for customer complaints and feedback
Furthermore, a platform’s fares must follow the government’s prescribed calculation method.
In addition to these requirements, vehicles to be used for ride-sharing must be registered with their respective categories:
- Ry. 18 for cars
- Ry. 17 for motorcycles.
These two categories were created specifically for “app-based public passenger” vehicles to enter the public service system.
Successful registration under these categories assume that the vehicle meets public service standards, such as its overall condition, insurance, and other inspection checks.
“The goal is not to tighten control. It is to organise the system so that platforms, drivers and passengers all operate under the same fair standards,” said Supachitra Laowattanapinyo, an executive at ETDA.
Those who fail to comply with the government’s requirements may face up to one year of imprisonment, THB 100,000 (approximately AUD $4,442), and/or notification of withdrawal of business.
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