Thailand Tightens Ride-Sharing Rules in October, Platforms Face Smarter Oversight
New regulations under the Digital Platform Services law shift ride-hailing platforms into regulatory roles with strict licensing, verification, vehicle registration and transparency obligations
Thailand will enforce tougher regulations for ride-hailing platforms starting October 2025 under the Digital Platform Services (DPS) law, aiming to increase safety, transparency and legal compliance.
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has issued notifications that classify platforms offering public-car or motorcycle ride-hailing services as "high-impact" digital service operators, imposing new operational duties.
The rules make platforms more than intermediaries—they must now actively verify drivers and passengers, ensure vehicles are properly registered, and enforce licensing and identity rules every time a service is used.
Drivers will be required to use vehicles registered for public transport and carry valid public driving licences.
Platforms must verify identity using trusted digital ID systems such as ThaID, prohibit account sharing, and enforce rules when violations occur.
Passengers must be able to view transparent information before booking, including driver and vehicle credentials, fare estimates, route, GPS tracking and emergency or complaint services.
Platforms are also required to follow legally mandated fares and submit regular reports to both ETDA and the Department of Land Transport.
Several ride-hailing operators have expressed concerns over some of the registration requirements.
Grab Thailand is assisting drivers to register vehicles under the Ror Yor 18 category and obtain the public driving licence; however, many drivers say registering vehicles whose ownership is financed or held by lenders, rather than by the driver, becomes a barrier under current rules.
Platforms like Line Man Wongnai report high volumes of drivers applying for licences, but highlight that vehicle ownership rules and inspection requirements remain complex.
Lalamove and other operators emphasise that building full compliance will take time, and support systems will be necessary.
ETDA considers the new rules a step toward building public trust, improving service reliability, and reducing unsafe practices.
The law is also expected to promote more predictable revenue growth in the ride-hailing market, which is projected to reach about forty-five billion baht this year, with user numbers forecast to hit fifteen point one million by two thousand twenty-seven.
While implementation will pose challenges for drivers, platforms and regulators alike, the shift marks a landmark change in Thailand’s regulatory stance toward digital transport platforms, demanding tighter oversight, clearer accountability and higher safety standards.
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has issued notifications that classify platforms offering public-car or motorcycle ride-hailing services as "high-impact" digital service operators, imposing new operational duties.
The rules make platforms more than intermediaries—they must now actively verify drivers and passengers, ensure vehicles are properly registered, and enforce licensing and identity rules every time a service is used.
Drivers will be required to use vehicles registered for public transport and carry valid public driving licences.
Platforms must verify identity using trusted digital ID systems such as ThaID, prohibit account sharing, and enforce rules when violations occur.
Passengers must be able to view transparent information before booking, including driver and vehicle credentials, fare estimates, route, GPS tracking and emergency or complaint services.
Platforms are also required to follow legally mandated fares and submit regular reports to both ETDA and the Department of Land Transport.
Several ride-hailing operators have expressed concerns over some of the registration requirements.
Grab Thailand is assisting drivers to register vehicles under the Ror Yor 18 category and obtain the public driving licence; however, many drivers say registering vehicles whose ownership is financed or held by lenders, rather than by the driver, becomes a barrier under current rules.
Platforms like Line Man Wongnai report high volumes of drivers applying for licences, but highlight that vehicle ownership rules and inspection requirements remain complex.
Lalamove and other operators emphasise that building full compliance will take time, and support systems will be necessary.
ETDA considers the new rules a step toward building public trust, improving service reliability, and reducing unsafe practices.
The law is also expected to promote more predictable revenue growth in the ride-hailing market, which is projected to reach about forty-five billion baht this year, with user numbers forecast to hit fifteen point one million by two thousand twenty-seven.
While implementation will pose challenges for drivers, platforms and regulators alike, the shift marks a landmark change in Thailand’s regulatory stance toward digital transport platforms, demanding tighter oversight, clearer accountability and higher safety standards.
