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Thailand is set to implement new ride-hailing regulations next month, aiming to improve safety and transparency by enforcing stricter checks on drivers and platforms. The regulations, effective from October, will redefine ride-hailing platforms as active service regulators, rather than just intermediaries. This initiative intends to increase passenger confidence through enhanced identity verifications and accountability.

 

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) announced that platforms must confirm the identities of passengers and drivers using digital systems like ThaID. Drivers are required to possess a valid public driving license, use vehicles registered for public service, and verify their identity with every login. Furthermore, account sharing or using another person’s account will be forbidden to maintain platform integrity.

 

The ETDA aims to boost passenger trust and the revenue of platforms by providing real-time journey tracking through GPS and ensuring clear fare displays. This transparency is expected to reduce potential disputes and enhance overall safety. Grab Thailand is actively supporting compliance by assisting drivers with necessary vehicle registrations under the Ror Yor 18 classification but acknowledged challenges, especially for those using financed or rented vehicles.

 

Both Grab and LINE MAN Wongnai have voiced concerns over the complexity of current processes. LINE MAN Wongnai’s Vice-President for Public Affairs, Isriya Paireepairit, suggested streamlining these processes to encourage legal compliance, highlighting the need for pre-license applications via the Department of Land Transport’s online platform.

 

Lalamove Thailand’s Managing Director, Ben Lin, emphasized the necessity of collaboration across all stakeholders to adapt to these changes effectively and foster a sustainable ecosystem. Bolt Thailand has already facilitated licensing for thousands of drivers, demonstrating foresight in preparing for the upcoming regulations.

 

Officials believe that these reforms will align Thailand’s ride-hailing industry with global standards while keeping safety as the primary focus. The changes not only promise to enhance customer trust but also ensure that the services meet international expectations.

 

Key Takeaways

• New regulations redefine platforms as active regulators from October.
• Platforms and drivers face stricter identity verification processes.
• Industry leaders urge streamlined processes for better compliance.

 

Related Stories

Thailand Tightens Grip on Ride - Hailing with Tough New Rules

Thailand to Regulate Ride - Hailing Apps Within 90 Days for Fairer Competition

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-24

 

 

34 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) announced that platforms must confirm the identities of passengers and drivers using digital systems like ThaID.

 

What does that even mean? That all passengers need ThID (and a Thai ID) now?? 😲 

 

(Alternatively, will foreigners have to use the 'no meter' regular taxi ma**a?)

This initiative intends to increase passenger confidence

 

 

 

Errrr....I had very high confidence and no complaints with the online apps until they decided to fix some thing that was not broken....Now my confidence is in the toilet....

 

Yea lets add 10 more layers of bureaucracy and call it a success....lol

 

 

On 9/24/2025 at 5:34 AM, redwood1 said:

This initiative intends to increase passenger confidence

 

 

 

Errrr....I had very high confidence and no complaints with the online apps until they decided to fix some thing that was not broken....Now my confidence is in the toilet....

 

Yea lets add 10 more layers of bureaucracy and call it a success....lol

 

 

No need to shout.

1 hour ago, redwood1 said:

This initiative intends to increase passenger confidence

 

 

 

Errrr....I had very high confidence and no complaints with the online apps until they decided to fix some thing that was not broken....Now my confidence is in the toilet....

 

Yea lets add 10 more layers of bureaucracy and call it a success....lol

 

 

They probably found a new way to tax it or squeeze more money out somehow. 

I really like these Cracked,com 'If blah blah were honest' videos...

 

 

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This initiative intends to increase passenger confidence through enhanced identity verifications and accountability.

 

There is far more confidence and accountability in ride apps compared to shady Somchai old school thai taxis. 

 

What a laugh.

The taxi mafia's protests and lobbying have made competition tougher whilst being left alone to run their scams

5 hours ago, KannikaP said:

No need to shout.

Well your elderly mate don't expect the younger generation to understand 

The amount of sick leave you used during your working career was artrocious

12 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

What does that even mean? That all passengers need ThID (and a Thai ID) now??

 

Show them the yellow book, if you have one.  All bad things come from China and the Thais are loving it

12 hours ago, blaze master said:

shady Somchai old school thai taxis. 

Can't say we've ever had any problems with the taxis, both when we lived in Bangers and now when we visit a cupla times a year. Spontaneity is fine, don't have to think ahead ...

 

Never used the Grab etc lot. Not sure what their supposed advantage is.

5 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

...both when we lived in Bangers and now...

 

You do know that the correct name for Bangkok and what you typed/pecked out has the same number of characters. I.e. seven.

Similar to Patters having the same number as Pattaya.

 

Just saying.

5 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 

You do know that the correct name for Bangkok and what you typed/pecked out has the same number of characters. I.e. seven.

Similar to Patters having the same number as Pattaya.

 

Just saying.

And your point is?

4 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

And your point is?

 

Why call it Bangers when that is not an abbreviation. 

 

I'm going to the Servo for some Ciggies, I can see because servo is shorter.

32 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 

Why call it Bangers when that is not an abbreviation. 

 

I'm going to the Servo for some Ciggies, I can see because servo is shorter.

I take it you're not an Antipodean. Very common in Oz, slightly less so in New Zil - but also no doubt occurs all around the world - is the use of a variant name for people and places as a sign of affection. It has nothing to do with abbreviation. If I wanted to abbreviate 'Bangkok' I would - of course - use 'BKK'.

You might find the complaints for Grab and Bolt are lower and less severe over all when compared with traditional taxi's.

 

Definitely need to make sure the driver's are licensed and hopefully have driven for a minimum of two years.

58 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 

You do know that the correct name for Bangkok and what you typed/pecked out has the same number of characters. I.e. seven.

Similar to Patters having the same number as Pattaya.

 

Just saying.

Just saying ....just saying ...you tend use that a lot I gather in conversation 

 

I had a work colleague who would say that at the end of every sentence 

 

One night shift me and him working he told me that ...just saying...well say it to someone else !!

 

 

 

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) announced that platforms must confirm the identities of passengers and drivers using digital systems like ThaID

When I order a GrabCar or Bike, I am electronically charged for the indicated travel cost to my bank app account. What more is needed?

Thais always make things more complicated to create ways of getting money under the table. For me, Grab works well, so why change it? There are many scammers in other businesses to look for.

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Furthermore, account sharing or using another person’s account will be forbidden to maintain platform integrity.

 

Good luck with that.

 

4 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Can't say we've ever had any problems with the taxis, both when we lived in Bangers and now when we visit a cupla times a year. Spontaneity is fine, don't have to think ahead ...

 

Never used the Grab etc lot. Not sure what their supposed advantage is.

 Likewise, I've never owned a smartphone and when I lived in Thailand, I relied on meter taxis, tuk-tuks and Songtaews.

4 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Never used the Grab etc lot. Not sure what their supposed advantage is.

None that I've ever noticed. I've tried them in Thailand and other countries and every time, the price at the end of the ride is higher than the price which the app gave me. I dont trust them at all.  

5 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Can't say we've ever had any problems with the taxis, both when we lived in Bangers and now when we visit a cupla times a year. Spontaneity is fine, don't have to think ahead ...

 

Never used the Grab etc lot. Not sure what their supposed advantage is.

 

Ignorance is bliss

27 minutes ago, SenorTashi said:

None that I've ever noticed. I've tried them in Thailand and other countries and every time, the price at the end of the ride is higher than the price which the app gave me. I dont trust them at all.  

I use Bolt in Pattaya because I won't ride on motorcycles and found Bolt to be efficient and good VFM.

The price on the App has always been the price asked IME. Sometimes, if it's an odd amount like 94 Baht I just round it up to 100 but that's always been my decision.

Before they arrived, I did a lot more walking! (Thinks: must start a thread "Is Bolt bad for your health?" 😂😂)

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

There are many scammers in other businesses to look for.

You mean like politics?

1 hour ago, Burma Bill said:

 Likewise, I've never owned a smartphone and when I lived in Thailand, I relied on meter taxis, tuk-tuks and Songtaews.

I bet you that we are the only 2 people in all of Thailand that doesn’t carry a Smart Phone.

It amazes me how some folks just want to nit pick at someone else’s post. 

Not a single mention of public liability insurance, Cowboys from top to bottom 

9 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 Likewise, I've never owned a smartphone and when I lived in Thailand, I relied on meter taxis, tuk-tuks and Songtaews.

It is your total right to be a Luddite and don't let anybody tell you otherwise!

I do find it sad that people don't take advantage of modern technology especially as it's so cheap and easy these days.

 

Mind you, I am writing this listening to music on a 50 year old audio amp and speakers - fed by a brand new Windows 11 computer.

But I'm not at all contradictory!  😂😉

 

Must go...my smart phone's ringing. 😊

49 minutes ago, VBF said:

It is your total right to be a Luddite and don't let anybody tell you otherwise!

I do find it sad that people don't take advantage of modern technology especially as it's so cheap and easy these days.

 

Mind you, I am writing this listening to music on a 50 year old audio amp and speakers - fed by a brand new Windows 11 computer.

But I'm not at all contradictory!  😂😉

 

Must go...my smart phone's ringing. 😊

 

Unfortunately I cannot take advantage of modern technology in the form of a smartphone. I have arthritic and movement disabilities in my fingers which prevent me from using the small and sensitive touch screens. Like your good self, I also have a brand new computer with Windows 11 on which I perform all my business transactions and social media reports. This suits me.