Transport Authority Cracks Down on Surge Pricing During Floods
Thailand's transport authority has banned surge pricing on ride-hailing apps during the ongoing floods, ordering platforms to set fair fares and ensure service reaches vulnerable groups, with complaints handled through a 24-hour hotline.
On September 29, Sarapong Paidurypongsa, director-general of the Department of Land Transport, announced measures to protect the public during ongoing flooding across the country, including Bangkok and surrounding areas. Recognizing that citizens facing the flood disaster are increasingly dependent on public and ride-hailing transport services, the department has issued directives to all ride-hailing app platforms prohibiting price gouging and abuse of passengers. The department demands platforms: (1) set fares fairly according to legal standards and prohibit abnormal price increases exploiting the crisis; (2) prevent drivers from charging unauthorized fees and instruct them to provide service with public spirit, avoiding unjustified cancellations or refusals; (3) inform drivers of flooded areas and closed routes to enable safe route selection; (4) ensure adequate vehicle availability tailored to demand in each area and prioritize service for vulnerable groups including the elderly, disabled, children, and disadvantaged people; and (5) establish effective complaint and assistance channels, tracking cases of unfair fares, unjustified service refusals, and other customer-impacting misconduct, with cooperation from the department in investigations. The director-general stated that the department will enforce the law strictly and implement the point-deduction system under the 'Mobile App Handbook' to systematically monitor service providers. Members of the public facing transport service problems can file complaints through the hotline 1584, available 24 hours daily.
