Yala Transport Office Addresses Crowding as Residents Rush for Driver's License Queue Numbers, Announces New System
Yala Provincial Transport Office expanded driver's license services to weekdays and Saturdays after viral videos showed residents rushing and falling during queue scrambles. The office now uses an online booking system and walk-in queue man
On May 14, 2025, reporters covering the Yala Provincial Transport Office noted that officials opened services starting at 8:00 a.m. to provide convenient, fast, and uncrowded service for residents seeking to obtain or renew their driver's licenses. This follows viral social media footage of people arriving at dawn and rushing through the office doors when they opened, with some residents even falling over in the scramble to secure early queue numbers—alarming scenes that caught public attention.
Adulai Hayisae, Yala Provincial Transport Officer, revealed that in response to the previous congestion problems, the office has implemented a new service system and expanded operating hours. Previously, new driver's license applications were accepted only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, causing a backlog of applicants. The office now serves clients every weekday (Monday through Friday) in accordance with Land Transport Department policy, and has added Saturday services to accommodate the large volume of residents in the area.
Queue Management and Time Efficiency: The office uses a systematic queue management system with special walk-in queue requests beginning at 5:00 a.m. to relieve congestion and increase capacity. Staff distribute walk-in applicants across available days based on seating capacity.
Service Categories: Online queue booking through the DLT SmartQueue system accommodates approximately 60 people daily, allowing applicants to know their exact queue time. For license renewals, residents who have completed the online e-Learning training can walk in immediately. Special training programs are offered for those unable to complete online training, such as elderly citizens, and for large vehicle license applications.
Capacity Enhancement: The office currently handles approximately 70-80 people per day (including walk-ins and online bookings), with staff stationed at various points to answer questions and facilitate the process.
Fraud Prevention: A fake news and fraud prevention center has been established to counter individuals falsely claiming they can obtain driver's licenses without exams in exchange for money. Transport officials firmly deny any policy allowing money payments to obtain driving licenses.
Ms. Kanyarat Yodthong, a service user, shared that while initial news of the crowding alarmed her, she found the system greatly improved when visiting today. She praised the staff's service quality and noted that the system runs smoothly and proportionately without the chaos seen in previous videos. Staff were stationed throughout to provide clear guidance and answer questions, leaving her feeling reassured and confident. She encouraged everyone to obtain their licenses properly and cooperate with the system to ensure smooth, quick service for all.
