Government Tasked with Improving Living Conditions for Motorcycle Taxi Drivers

BANGKOK — The new government took a handful of complaints and concerns from motorcycle taxi drivers for consideration on Saturday, and tasked the Ministry of Transport with spearheading efforts to improve their living conditions.

Drivers’ representatives were the fourth group of people Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met following his appointment to get a first-hand account of their circumstances. The group met with Mr. Srettha at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok.

Srettha was accompanied by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri and Minister for the Prime Minister’s Office Puangpet Chunlaiad.

High fuel prices were at the top of drivers’ list of complaints, but the lack of pick-up points, the age limit for drivers and insufficient funds to buy new vehicles or switch to electric motorcycles were also issues.

In response, Mr Srettha said the government is ready to address drivers’ most pressing concerns but needs time. ​“I am asking for time to address these issues, but what can be done will be done immediately,” he said.

Mr. Srettha said that initially it was possible for drivers older than 60 Years are to allow continued employment and that those who pass a health check could be allowed to continue in employment. However, further discussions are needed with the Labor Department on the social protection of this group, he said.

On the issue of financial support, he said the government will ask state-owned banks to provide soft loans to drivers who want to buy new vehicles or switch to electric vehicles.

A revenue sharing system has also been raised as a viable option. According to this proposal, drivers would not need to take out loans to buy electric motorcycles, but would have to share their income to cover the costs.

Mr. Srettha also discussed the possibility of developing a local ride-hailing app for motorcycle taxi drivers to ensure fair treatment. He said this may require changing various laws and asked the new transport minister to look into the matter.

Suriya responded that a working committee would be set up to study the matter and submit the findings, which are expected in two months, to cabinet consideration.

On Friday, Mr. Srettha visited representatives of the fishing industry in Samut Songkhram. Earlier, he met with travel industry officials to discuss how to boost tourism in the upcoming November-March high season.