New Regulations for Ride-Hailing Platforms Issued by Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA)

Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has issued a new regulation titled:

“Announcement Re: Other Requirements for Digital Platform Service Business Operators for Public Hire Car or Motorcycle Services with Specific Characteristics under Section 18 (3) of the Royal Decree on the Operation of Digital Platform Services Subject to Notification B.E. 2565 (2022), B.E. 2568 (2025).”

The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on July 4, 2025, and will take effect 90 days later, on October 2, 2025.

Overview

This regulation classifies ride-hailing services (cars and motorcycles) as digital platforms with specific characteristics, which may impact public safety, health, transport, and infrastructure. As a result, these platforms are now subject to heightened regulatory oversight under the Royal Decree on Digital Platform Services.

Key Compliance Obligations for Ride-Hailing Platform Operators

1. Vehicle and Driver Compliance

• Vehicles must be registered as public vehicles per Department of Land Transport (“DLT”) regulations.

• Drivers must hold a valid public driving license.

• Fare collection must comply with legal transport fare rates.

  
  

2. Driver Identity Verification

• Platforms must use official identity verification methods, such as face-to-face checks, government applications (e.g., ThaID), or certified identity providers (IdPs).

• A daily facial recognition scan is required before a driver’s first trip.

• Drivers are strictly prohibited from sharing their service accounts.

  
  

3. Passenger Safety & Privacy

• Platforms must support in-app voice and text chat without revealing personal contact numbers.

• Only the driver’s name and photo may be disclosed to passengers.

• Real-time GPS tracking of vehicles is required throughout the trip.

Mandatory Platform Features

For Drivers

• Must display trip details: pickup/destination, route, distance, and fare.

• Include an emergency button for immediate operator support.

• Provide a trip history log: dates, times, routes, and fares.

  
  

For Passengers

• Platforms must verify the identity of each passenger by conducting identity proofing during registration, collecting key personal information (e.g., first and last name), and authenticating the passenger’s identity each time they access the platform.

• Before booking, users must be able to see the estimated route, fare, and travel time.

• After confirmation, platforms must show the driver’s name/photo, vehicle details, and real-time location.

• Include a 24/7-monitored emergency assistance button.

• Offer service rating and complaint submission channels.

  
  

Supervision and Reporting Requirements

Enforcement

• Operators must implement disciplinary measures for drivers who violate laws or platform rules (e.g., temporary suspension).

• They must respond to reports from DLT or state agencies and ensure driver cooperation.

  
  

Annual Reporting

• Submit an annual report to the DLT detailing:

  • Total number of registered vehicles by type (e.g., taxi, motorcycle taxi, e-hailing)

  • Service fee calculation methods

    
    

Regulatory Review

• The DLT will review the regulations annually, considering technological developments and stakeholder feedback.

  
  

This new regulation sets a clear legal framework for ride-hailing platforms in Thailand, aiming to enhance safety, transparency, and accountability for both drivers and passengers. It introduces significant compliance obligations for platform operators.

Existing platforms that do not yet meet these requirements must take steps to upgrade their systems and operations to ensure full compliance by the October 2, 2025 effective date. Likewise, any new businesses planning to enter the ride-hailing market must be fully prepared to meet these regulatory standards from the outset.

Operators should act promptly to align with the law and avoid regulatory issues as enforcement begins.