Platform Workers Push for State App at Songkhla Hearing
The article is about a public hearing in Songkhla on October 31, 2026, regarding the draft Platform Workers Promotion and Protection Act. Riders and platform workers voiced concerns about exploitation by foreign-owned platforms, algorithmic
At a public hearing on the draft Platform Workers Promotion and Protection Act held on October 31, 2026 at Baan Suan Rusnani in Tha Chang, Bang Klam District, Songkhla, the Prachachat Party gathered feedback to improve rights, welfare, and fairness for riders and all digital platform workers. The session was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Thawi Sodsong, party-list MP and party leader, alongside Warawut Makkudi, deputy party leader, former FIFA Council member and former Football Association of Thailand president, and other party executives. Anukul Rachakuna, a rider union representative, attended with a large group of riders from Hat Yai and surrounding areas to voice widespread concerns.
Riders described powerless working conditions and exploitation by foreign-owned platform capital, especially algorithmic performance ratings and AI-driven job control. One rider said platform management creates immense pressure on low-level workers. Others stressed the importance of social security, noting they have received old-age pensions from the Social Security Fund for four years at over 4,000 baht per month, paid on time, and argued such coverage is essential for informal and platform workers facing retirement or job loss.
On algorithmic fairness, a rider complained: "Customers give Grab five stars; if they give the rider four stars, it immediately affects job allocation. Where is the truth? Where is the justice?" Another rider said foreign capital floods the market with unlimited new drivers while work volume stays the same, forcing veterans out. He added bitterly, "Good thing I have a lot of seaside land; if I could sell it I wouldn't be driving anymore."
The riders urged the government to develop a state-owned or Thai-owned platform to keep revenue inside the country and stop foreign extraction. They noted that platforms suck massive income out of the Thai economy but ignore workers when disputes or strikes arise.
Pol. Lt. Col. Thawi told the meeting that the riders' testimony reflects the practical failure of current labor laws, which allow tech capital to dominate and shift all risk onto workers without responsibility. "These technologies, the platforms, are the ones in control," he said, stressing the need for political will to unlock collective bargaining rights and social security for platform workers.
