A rider network urged the Popular Party to remove “Isariya” from its MP candidate list, rejecting any exploitation of workers. They threatened not to vote for the party if it persisted. Meanwhile, Isariya asked for a chance to prove himself.
On 23 Dec 2025 GMT+7, a network of riders and platform workers gathered in front of the Popular Party headquarters to oppose the nomination of Isariya Paireepairit, former Deputy Chair of Public Policy and Government Relations at LINE MAN, as a party-list MP candidate. They also pushed for platform workers to be protected under labor law.
A rider representative said the platform company exploited riders without providing work benefits, forcing them to face risks on the job. Despite repeated protests demanding higher pay per delivery from LINE MAN, the company ignored them and did not open dialogue or take responsibility for the hardships faced.
Isariya previously told Thairath Plus that the legal relationship of riders is not that of regular employees but independent contractors hired per task. This misrepresents riders’ status, enabling platform companies to avoid labor law obligations, resulting in riders working hard under dangerous conditions for very low pay per delivery.
This misrepresentation strips riders of all labor law benefits. If the Popular Party does not abandon its current stance and ideals, it should reconsider nominating Isariya, or have him and party leaders publicly declare a commitment to ensuring riders are covered by labor law protections, receive regulated working hours, minimum hourly wages, increased pay per delivery distance from start to finish, 75% extra for additional tasks, and full legal protections.
They also called on the Popular Party’s labor network to protest this nomination and uphold workers’ rights across all occupations. If the party continues to nominate Isariya as a party-list MP, the rider group will withhold votes from the Popular Party.
Meanwhile, Sia Champathong, leader of the Popular Party’s labor wing, accepted the proposal and said the party listens to all voices, including primary votes from all areas. He promised to forward the riders’ demands to the party’s executive committee for consideration. He thanked all feedback and affirmed the party provides space for differing opinions, seeking mutual understanding that all riders must be protected and covered by social security. Whether to nominate Isariya as a party-list MP is up to the executive committee’s decision.
Isariya, who came to receive the proposal with Sia, told the rider network that he has clearly proven his sincerity by resigning from the platform company. He insisted he is not a nominee of any financial group but is acting personally, wishing to use his knowledge and skills to change Thailand, solve problems, and make things better.
Regarding the threat that riders will not vote for the Popular Party if he is not withdrawn, Isariya said the executive committee should decide. He respects their decision and will continue. He asked for a chance to prove himself, noting that if he spoke now, people might not believe him. He affirmed his stance aligns with the party’s labor wing and welcomed any labor law proposals or adjustments, offering his experience from platform work to help design effective policies. Isariya said this.
When asked how he felt about being the Popular Party’s first MP candidate to face opposition before the political competition begins, Isariya said he had no problem and welcomed it. He understands that politics requires listening to the people and said he had already personally explained to the network and believed there would be no issues.