Thailand will begin enforcing new rules for app-based ride-hailing services from March 31, 2026, requiring stricter checks on drivers, vehicles and digital platforms. Drivers must hold a public driving licence, vehicles must be correctly registered for public use, and platforms must verify compliance or suspend non-compliant drivers. The move is expected to increase passenger safety and standardise a rapidly growing sector. Get today's headlines by email Ride-sharing services, defined as passenger transport arranged via apps rather than traditional taxis or vans, expanded quickly during the COVID-19 period without a clear legal framework. The new regulations mark the first time Thailand has introduced specific legal structures for the sector. Officials from ETDA and the Department of Land Transport outlined the changes during ETDA Live, with PostToday summarising the measures. A key requirement is that drivers must obtain a public driving licence rather than rely on a private one. This includes criminal background checks and age thresholds: at least 20 for motorcycle drivers and 22 for car drivers. Vehicles must also meet strict criteria, with cars registered as Ry.18 (registration category for cars used in app-based public passenger services) limited to nine years old and motorcycles under Ry.17 (the registration category for motorcycles used in app-based public passenger services) restricted to 50–125cc engines. Authorities stress that vehicle re-registration is essential to ensure proper insurance, inspections and legal protection. “A public driving licence is not just a piece of paper. It is tied to checks on a driver’s background. That is something passengers should be able to feel confident about,” said Yutthana Mowong of the Bangkok Land Transport Office Area 5. Thakoon Kaewsai added that registration changes are designed to ensure “everyone is genuinely protected when an incident occurs.” Digital platforms will face greater responsibility under the rules. They must verify driver licences, confirm vehicle registration, provide fare and journey details, and maintain complaint channels. Failure to comply could result in legal action, including orders to suspend operations, withdrawal of business notification, or penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. The Nation reported that from March 31, non-compliant drivers will not be permanently banned but temporarily suspended from receiving jobs until requirements are met. Authorities say this creates a shared enforcement system between regulators and platforms. Vehicles under finance can still be registered, provided drivers obtain authorisation and documentation from finance companies, while a proposal to raise the motorcycle engine limit to 250cc remains under consideration. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 26 Mar 2026
View full article
Create an account or sign in to comment