Experts Urge Thailand to Accelerate Removal of Barriers and Update Regulations to Align with Reality for a Sustainable Future of App-Based Ride-Hailing Services
Bangkok– A smooth and practical transition to full regulatory compliance will be a key factor in ensuring the long-term stability of Thailand’s app-based ride-hailing ecosystem, especially as the country enters the…
Experts at a recent Bangkok seminar urged Thailand to accelerate the removal of barriers and update regulations to reflect the realities of app-based ride-hailing services, highlighting the importance of practical enforcement for long-term industry stability. The event, held at Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, brought together economists, legal scholars, driver representatives, and executives from Bolt Thailand to discuss the future of ride-hailing across the country, including Phuket.
Regulatory Progress and Remaining Obstacles
Panelists noted that Thailand has established a regulatory framework covering driver and vehicle standards under the Department of Land Transport, as well as platform requirements overseen by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency.
Despite this progress, experts identified persistent challenges in the registration process. Drivers continue to face complex vehicle registration procedures, high insurance costs, fees related to leasing, and protracted document verification times.
Economic Impact and Risks of Poor Enforcement
Research presented at the seminar showed 93% of ride-hailing drivers reported improved household finances after joining the platforms, with nearly one-third earning up to 40,000 baht monthly.
The Thai ride-hailing market is projected to surpass 16 million users by 2030, with expectations for significant economic value growth. Panelists warned that if enforcement outpaces drivers’ readiness, service availability could decline, fares may rise during peak hours, and unregulated operators lacking safety standards could proliferate.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/10/experts-urge-thailand-to-accelerate-removal-of-barriers-and-update-regulations-to-align-with-reality-for-a-sustainable-future-of-app-based-ride-hailing-services/
