Delivery riders say they "can't cope" as low per-trip pay clashes with economic conditions. They plan to meet with the Ministry of Digital Economy late September after having to work twice as hard, bearing high fuel costs while apps take heavy commissions.
On 16 Sep 2026, Chaiyachon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), set a minimum standard trip rate for Lalamove riders, currently about 3.70 baht per km. Rider representatives agreed with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) formula, which bases pay on time, vehicle costs by distance, and additional service fees, but suggested further review before adopting it as a central standard.
With rising living costs raising questions about value, Thairath Online asked Suthep Singtham, Vice President of the Thai Rider Association, who said most riders currently lose money due to expenses like fuel, vehicle wear, and app commissions. Even though more trips increase accumulated pay, after deducting all costs, little remains.
Each app charges different commission (GP) rates—fees or revenue shares paid by restaurants and riders to the platform. For example, a rider earning 1,000 baht daily may pay 50-300 baht in GP, and a shop selling goods for 100 baht might pay 5-30 baht. Although some apps state a 20% GP, actual costs including app usage fees, taxes, fuel, and maintenance total about 25%.
Since apps collect GP from both riders and shops, the total amount per order means apps visibly profit. They collect from customers and shops to pay riders, yet the average rider payout per trip is only 3.70 baht, which is too low.
Most riders now are new entrants, as experienced riders understand app mechanisms well. Those unable to continue with one app quit or switch to another.
Personally, Mr. Suthep considers the Robinhood app the best currently, offering 37 baht per trip and only 5% GP. Popular apps charge high GP rates of 25-32% from riders and shops, plus about 7% service fees from customers.
The solution proposed is for the government to help set fair standard pricing and reduce GP rates so riders, shops, and apps can all sustain operations. This explains why riders have been campaigning for 7-8 years, submitting requests to transport and labor authorities.
He wants app operators to help with vehicle wear and fuel costs, as fuel prices have nearly doubled. Initially, he refueled twice daily at 80-100 baht per fill, now it costs 180 baht per fill.
At first, he worked about 8 hours daily, now nearly 16 hours, yet per-trip pay remains the same as when working 8 hours. Apps offer benefits like gold installment plans (gold valued at 70,000 baht with interest around 45,000 baht), installment purchases, or loans at about 15% interest, which are more financial services than real welfare.
On 17 Sep 2026, Minister Chaiyachon will meet with riders and Lalamove to discuss trip rates. The Thai Rider Association proposes a standard fare of 35-37 baht per order and 10 baht per km delivery distance or reducing GP to 15%, though app approval remains uncertain.
Minister Chaiyachon said no clear agreement was reached, so cost data will be used to develop a standard Minimum Formula/Rate—a minimum income calculation based on real work costs to prevent unfair compensation or operator losses. This formula will inform revisions to the Ministry of Labor's gig worker law, comparing ETDA's calculation methods to reach the fairest outcome.