PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) is rolling out major reforms aimed at improving public transport, enhancing safety, and reducing fare disputes for both locals and foreign tourists. Announced by Deputy Transport Minister Mallika Jirapanwanit on October 17, the reforms focus on integrating technology into traditional taxi operations and increasing transparency in ride-hailing services.
Over the next four months, the government aims to implement the “Quick Win” initiatives to immediately benefit the public. These include reducing transportation costs through schemes such as “Khon La Khreung Plus (co-pay)” for public transport, streamlining app-based ride services, and enforcing proper registration for vehicles operating on digital platforms. Currently, 15 ride-hailing apps operate in Thailand, and the DLT plans to centralize services for easier access and improved efficiency.
A major component of the plan is the introduction of a digital taxi meter equipped with GPS technology. The system will calculate fares based on distance, travel time, and current fuel costs, while maintaining the current base fare of 35 baht. Peak-hour surcharges of 10–20 baht are expected during morning and evening rush hours and after 9 PM, helping to reduce incidents of taxi drivers refusing passengers, a persistent problem in tourist-heavy areas such as Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket.
“The meter rates have not changed in over 20 years, while costs for drivers and fuel have risen,” said Sorapong Paitoonpong, DLT Director-General. “This digital system ensures fairness for both drivers and passengers without raising the base fare. It also addresses the decline in registered taxis—from 110,000 before COVID-19 to around 65,000 today—as drivers seek alternative income due to rising living costs and competition from app-based services.”
DLT’s reforms also include e-Medical certificates, enhanced GPS two-way tracking for safety compliance, and training programs for 10,000 drivers of large vehicles to ensure professionalism. Vehicle inspection stations nationwide will adopt CCTV and AI technology for accurate safety checks, while urban and tourist-city public transport systems will be upgraded for seamless connectivity.
Deputy Minister Mallika emphasized a longer-term strategy, “Big Win” initiatives, to modernize Thailand’s transport infrastructure. This includes public-private partnerships for logistics hubs, improved cross-border transport facilities, the development of electric bus services with fair pricing, and establishment of a National Transport Safety Board to instill a culture of safety.
The reform package also addresses foreign tourist concerns. With many visitors historically falling victim to taxi scams or overcharging, particularly in tourist-heavy destinations like Pattaya and Phuket, the digital taxi meter and GPS integration are expected to provide a more transparent and reliable service, enhancing Thailand’s reputation for safe and fair travel.
The DLT plans to submit final proposals for ministerial approval by December 2025, with full implementation expected soon thereafter.
