Siripong is expediting solutions for ride-hailing platforms, implementing strict measures requiring drivers to hold public driving licenses, vehicles to have passenger insurance, and install CCTV to prevent incidents. Platforms are given a one-month deadline to comply; failure may result in license suspension or revocation. New ministerial regulations are also being prepared to reduce costs and encourage more vehicles to enter the legal system.
Siripong Angkasungkharat, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed plans to address issues with ride-hailing vehicles, especially concerning the Bolt platform currently renewing its license. The Ministry of Transport wants to ensure fair competition alongside public benefit and safety. Platforms must implement additional measures to raise service standards. They must show data confirming what percentage of drivers hold public driving licenses and set guidelines for dealing with drivers without licenses within a set timeframe. Additionally, platforms must have random checks and face detection systems to prevent driver identity misuse, as well as clear complaint, penalty, and driver license revocation systems for violations.
However, the Ministry allows platforms to improve their systems during license renewal since these are new government-imposed conditions. If the deadline passes without action or intent to improve, temporary license suspension may occur, and continued non-compliance could lead to license revocation. The initial timeframe is about one month. These measures apply to all platforms, not just Bolt. Other platforms still renewing licenses may continue normal operations.
"In the future, all ride-hailing platforms must comply with three key measures: drivers must have public driving licenses; vehicles used to transport passengers must have public insurance protecting passengers; and every vehicle must be equipped with CCTV cameras inside to deter crime and enhance safety for both passengers and drivers. Knowing there is CCTV helps deter offenders, as potential wrongdoers will hesitate. For motorcycle taxis operating via apps, while installation may have limitations, CCTV is also possible and considered a viable future safety measure," said Siripong.//
Siripong added that the Department of Land Transport is accelerating training and testing for public driving licenses to six days a week to support drivers entering the legal system. It is also expediting provincial license approval meetings, which previously occurred only once or twice a year. If any province delays, the department will take back authority to avoid backlog problems.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport is preparing new measures to reduce costs for drivers seeking to enter the system. The previous requirement for Ror Yor 18 license plates incurred high costs, especially due to mandatory first-class insurance through financing, preventing many drivers from legalizing. The new approach relaxes the need to register vehicles as Ror Yor 18 but requires three key elements: a public driving license, public passenger insurance, and CCTV installation. Once completed, drivers will receive official stickers from the government.
"We do not require everyone to register Ror Yor 18 plates, but passenger insurance is essential. When earning income from passenger transport, there must be safety guarantees for the public. The Ministry also plans to allow legal entities to register vehicles under Ror Yor 18 to lease them to drivers. This will create new business models, such as daily rental with insurance, reducing drivers' costs and encouraging more unregistered vehicles to enter the system," Siripong explained.//
All these measures are being drafted into additional ministerial regulations expected to be announced gradually. The goal is to raise standards across the ride-hailing service system, enhancing safety and fairness for the public and all operators.
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