Thailand Considers Minimum Pay Standard for App-Based Delivery Riders

Thailand Considers Minimum Pay Standard for App-Based Delivery Riders

Thailand is studying a minimum compensation framework for delivery riders as disagreements over app-based pay rates draw government attention. The Digital Economy and Society Ministry is collecting information on fuel, vehicle expenses, insurance and other costs to develop a formula that could eventually apply across multiple platforms. Rider representatives are seeking 10 baht per kilometre and estimate their operating costs at 6.69 baht, while Lalamove disputes the methodology and has not agreed to the proposed rate. The two sides also disagree sharply over how many deliveries pay less than 3.70 baht per kilometre, with riders claiming around 80% compared with Lalamove’s figure of roughly 3%. Officials say the study could ultimately contribute to dedicated legislation for platform workers, although the government currently lacks the authority to simply order individual companies to raise their rates.