Bangkok: The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has entered into a partnership with eight popular ride-hailing applications to enforce a mandate requiring all drivers to possess a public driver's license, as a part of efforts to enhance electronic ride-hailing systems and public trust.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement was made during a ceremony led by Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport. The event, titled 'Compliance with Laws and Development of Service Standards for Electronic Ride-Hailing Applications,' saw representatives from Grab, Bolt, inDrive, TADA, MAXIM, LINE MAN, Lalamove, and FINGOGO sign a declaration of intent. The declaration aims to elevate service standards, ensure adherence to regulations, and build public confidence. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, and Dr. Chaichana Mitraphan, Director of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency, and took place on June 29, 2026, at the Matuli Meeting Room.
Mr. Siripong highlighted the Ministry of Transport's policy to upgrade public transportation services, including ride-hailing applications. He outlined five operational frameworks: upgrading driver standards, ensuring driver licensing compliance, guaranteeing journey safety, developing a transparent data system, and establishing fair fee rates. The frameworks also include improving laws to support the integration of vehicles into the system. From September 30, 2026, stricter law enforcement will be in place, with a focus on app service providers ensuring compliance and prohibiting new drivers without public driver's licenses.
Mr. Sorapong detailed the DLT's efforts to support drivers in obtaining public driver's licenses, including offering Saturday service days in Bangkok until August 1, 2026. The DLT will also collaborate with app service providers to streamline driver verification processes and improve regulatory systems to enhance public safety and benefit.