Three Pheu Thai candidates for Bangkok MPs have promoted the "Heroes on the Road" concept to elevate the lives and returns of taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, and riders after they faced a sharp rise in living costs.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Saranyasan Veerakulsunthorn (Lim), former Deputy Prime Minister advisor and Pheu Thai candidate for Bangkok's 26th district, together with Purpha Thaithae (Phupha), candidate for Bangkok's 12th district, discussed solutions to the economic crisis affecting public transport drivers by promoting the concept "Heroes on the Road" who urgently need support through welfare and modern technology.
After engaging with taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers (win), and riders, they found these groups face a severe crisis due to soaring living costs while their income decreases amid fierce competition and platform fees (GP) they regard as unfair.
Saranyasan Veerakulsunthorn revealed his vision to improve public transport drivers' quality of life, focusing on three pillars: establishing a stable system with tangible government welfare; promoting voluntary registration of public vehicles to grant drivers access to benefits, insurance, and labor protections, emphasizing that participation should be an "opportunity to receive welfare" not an additional burden.
The state platform for workers (Fair App) proposes developing a government application that charges no GP fees or very low rates to return income fully to drivers. For private apps, the government may consider subsidizing the difference to ensure fairness for all parties.
Saranyasan stated plans to overhaul taxis with a "smart meter"—a smart digital meter with built-in GPS replacing the old system—to avoid waiting time for meter calibration, allowing drivers more earning time and increased safety. It will also help establish transparent pricing standards for passengers, with seamless connectivity to various platforms.
Meanwhile, Purpha Thaithae added a cost perspective, "A key challenge to tackle alongside is reducing energy expenses, including fuel and gas costs, to effectively increase drivers' net income or 'money left in their pockets' without raising fares for the public."
Sahasawat Weeramongkolkul (Man), Pheu Thai candidate for Bangkok’s 6th district and a young legal expert in technology law from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), USA, provided additional legal insights, "The main problem stems from the lack of a suitable social security system specifically for riders. This arises because riders are classified as independent contractors, preventing them from accessing social security under Section 33 of the Social Security Act B.E. 2533 (1990), which offers comprehensive coverage but may be too costly compared to uncertain income. Alternatively, under Section 40 with lower costs, issues remain with insufficient coverage and inadequate retirement benefits long-term. Pheu Thai is committed to creating a fair welfare system that truly fits riders' lifestyles."
Finally, Saranyasan said the concept is still in the stage of gathering feedback from all stakeholders to refine and develop a solution that is practical and beneficial for everyone sustainably.