Bangkok: "Siripong" is preparing to summon ride-hailing app providers to overhaul regulations, requiring drivers to possess public driver's licenses and undergo criminal background checks following an incident involving the assault of a Japanese tourist.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, commented on the case of a driver using a popular ride-hailing app assaulting a Japanese tourist, stating that the Ministry of Transport is urgently addressing this issue. He noted that while similar incidents have occurred using various ride-hailing apps, this particular case involves an app, which has been the most frequent. The Ministry has requested a report on the progress of the investigation and the compensation provided to the victim within one month, including whether the victim is satisfied with the compensation.
Meanwhile, all service provider applications have been notified to immediately stop accepting drivers without public driver's licenses to close this loophole. The current problem is that it's too easy for drivers to apply without criminal background checks. A meeting is expected this week, after which action will be taken to improve the system. The Department of Land Transport nationwide has increased the service days for issuing public driver's licenses and added on-demand channels for drivers who can gather drivers through applications to obtain licenses simultaneously. This will be done on a special basis in all provinces across the country.
For criminal background checks, the Department of Land Transport has partnered with the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Previously, processing a driver's license took 45 days, but now it can be done in just one day. This requires prior notification that a criminal background check is required. The RTP will then send the criminal record information to their database, which the applicant can then use to apply for a driver's license immediately.
Regarding compensation for Japanese tourists, Mr. Siripong stated that it is a matter for the application to handle the compensation process. This application must report all information to the Ministry of Transport, as there are many other cases that need to be submitted to the Ministry along with supporting evidence.