The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) is cracking down on the Bolt ride-hailing platform after a driver detained a minor passenger. The ministry is considering invoking the Computer Crime Act to impose harsher penalties on the platform. Meanwhile, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has threatened not to renew Bolt’s business certificate, which expires in May 2026, and has filed complaints against the driver, vehicle owner, and Bolt itself.
Mr. Patchara Anantasillp, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) On 29 Apr 2026 GMT+7, during a press briefing on measures to oversee Bolt drivers following an incident where a driver impersonated another’s ID and committed a malicious act against a female minor passenger—who had to jump out to escape and was injured—Mr. Patchara said the incident highlighted the importance of requiring drivers and vehicles on platforms to be registered as public service vehicles (forms Ror Yor 17 and Ror Yor 18) and for drivers to hold public service driving licenses by 31 Mar 2026. This policy protects passengers. In this case, the motorbike driver used his father’s Bolt-registered ID and detained a 14-year-old minor, forcing her to jump to escape and causing injuries.
“In this case, the driver had no driving license, the vehicle involved was not registered with the Department of Land Transport, and the driver impersonated his father’s Bolt ID—the real account owner. The government will fully enforce the law, penalizing the vehicle owner, driver, and the app. The DLT has already filed a police complaint and may strengthen legal enforcement with both civil and criminal penalties. The Ministry of Digital Economy is considering revising the 2022 Digital Platform Service Business Act or using powers under the 2017 Computer Crime Act to increase penalties.”
, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (DLT) He revealed that Bolt’s business certificate will expire in May 2026, and the DLT may refuse renewal if the company does not comply with legal requirements. Recent statistics show that one-third of illegal vehicle arrests involve offenses on the Bolt platform.
Mr. Chaiyanat Mitpan, Director of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) He stated that as the platform regulator, ETDA has invited all platforms to discuss stricter driver verification to prevent ID impersonation. Platforms are required to complete corrective actions within 90 days. If they fail to comply, ETDA has legal authority to suspend the platform’s services.
, Mr. Natthadon Suksirithanan, General Manager of Bolt (Thailand) He said Bolt prioritizes compliance with Thai law, having removed 40,000 drivers who violated rules from the system. About 25% of Bolt drivers are now registered with the DLT. Regarding the deadline and the threat of non-renewal of Bolt’s business certificate, he assured that Bolt takes the matter seriously, as the company wants to continue operating in Thailand and believes it provides competitive options.
Read more news " Government Policy " Updates