The Thai Ministry of Transportation Tightens Control Over Ride-Hailing Drivers

The Thai Ministry of Transport called in representatives from ride-hailing apps for an audit following a high-profile incident where a driver attacked a Japanese tourist. Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkurasakiat stated that the matter is being addressed on an accelerated basis by the ministry. Similar incidents have occurred with other apps, but this particular app has the highest number of such cases. The Ministry of Transport instructed them to report within a month on measures taken, compensation provided to the victim, and their satisfaction with the outcome. At the same time, all provider apps were ordered to immediately stop accepting drivers without public driving licenses. This is aimed at addressing gaps in the system as the current driver registration process is considered too simple and does not include criminal background checks. It is expected that a meeting on this issue will take place this week, followed by changes to the system. The Land Transport Department across the country has already increased the number of days one can obtain a public driving license. Concerning criminal background checks, the Land Transport Department, in cooperation with the Royal Thai Police, has streamlined this procedure. Previously, it took 45 days to process, now it takes just one day. Police submit data on criminal history to a common database, and the applicant may use this certificate for immediate issuance of identification. Regarding compensation for the Japanese tourist Mr. Siripong explained that it is the responsibility of the application itself. The representatives of the application should resolve the issue and report to the ministry. The same applies to other cases—the application must provide the ministry with a full report along with supporting documents.