Bangkok:The Ministry of Transport will implement a new system on October 1st to enhance the enforcement of laws pertaining to ride-hailing apps. This initiative involves using a "notebook" system to upgrade services, improve safety, and promote fair competition by monitoring and tracking users through app logbooks.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, led a meeting on September 25, 2026, to discuss preparations for stricter law enforcement. Attendees included Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, and representatives from eight ride-hailing companies Grab, Bolt, inDrive, TADA, MAXIM, LINE MAN, Lalamove, and FINGOGO. The focus was on improving services to comply with legal standards, ensuring safety, and maintaining fairness.
Mr. Siripong emphasized the importance of upgrading service standards to ensure public access to convenient, safe, high-quality, and verifiable services. Since June 29, 2026, cooperation between the ride-hailing companies has resulted in increased driver compliance, with public driver's licenses for cars and motorcycles seeing a significant rise.
From October 1, 2026, the Ministry will enforce stricter regulations on service providers, drivers, and vehicles. Violations will result in legal action, including possible imprisonment or fines. The "App Logbook" system will be crucial for monitoring compliance, focusing on issues such as unlicensed drivers or unregistered vehicles.
This new system will enable continuous government monitoring of app performance, with potential penalties ranging from warnings to service suspension. Coordination with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will support these efforts.
Mr. Sorapong highlighted the Department of Land Transport's efforts to facilitate legal compliance before the stricter enforcement begins. This includes extended service hours and group license applications for drivers. The goal is to ensure that all services operate legally and safely by October 1st.
These measures aim to provide the public with reliable services while holding app providers accountable for compliance. The initiative strives to balance public safety, platform accountability, and fair competition, ultimately elevating ride-hailing services to a sustainable and trustworthy public transportation option.