Ride-Hailing Drivers Protest at Government House, Demand Fair App Regulation and Measures to Combat Fuel Crisis
Five ride-hailing driver associations protested at Government House on April 28 demanding fair app regulation, stricter enforcement against non-compliant platforms, and government measures to address rising fuel costs that threaten their li
On April 28, 2026, representatives from five ride-hailing driver associations gathered at Government House to submit a petition to the Prime Minister demanding urgent action on legal reforms and cost-of-living issues affecting their profession. The coalition, led by Vorapon Gaemkhunthod, included the Public Taxi Driver Professional Association, Lukkled Team Public Ride-Hailing Association, Thailand Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, EV Electric Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, and Thailand Riders Association. The groups emphasized that taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi riders, tuk-tuk operators, and minibus drivers face severe hardship from continuously rising fuel prices, which erode their income and threaten their survival. The associations presented six major demands to the government: strict and fair enforcement of digital platform laws, penalties against non-compliant ride-hailing apps operating in Thailand, promotion of a state-developed public ride-hailing application, and reforms to taxi laws and regulations to reduce operational costs and create better business opportunities. They also proposed extending taxi vehicle lifespan from the current 9-year limit to 12 years, and up to 15 years for electric taxis, while requesting government authority to set appropriate fares in Bangkok and other provinces reflecting current economic conditions. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkaskulkiarti emerged to receive the petition and held discussions with the driver associations and relevant government agencies.
