BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport has confirmed there will be no closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, despite growing pressure from traditional taxi drivers who are demanding fairer treatment in the face of competition from app-based ride-hailing services.
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote held a meeting with representatives from the Taxi Drivers’ Association to address rising concerns about declining income and unequal access to airport passengers. The association, led by Woraphon Kaemkhuntod, began protesting outside Government House on May 20, urging the government to act swiftly to protect their livelihoods.
During the discussion, taxi drivers voiced frustrations over what they see as preferential treatment given to app-based drivers at Suvarnabhumi Airport. They claimed that ride-hailing services benefit from easier access and greater visibility at the airport, while traditional taxis suffer from a lack of signage and support infrastructure, resulting in fewer passengers.
The drivers also demanded that the Ministry of Transport reconsider or repeal two ministerial regulations — one issued in 2017 regarding public taxis and another from 2021 that governs electronic ride-hailing services. They argued that these laws unfairly benefit large corporations at the expense of independent drivers and small-scale operators.
In response, Surapong instructed Airports of Thailand (AOT) to develop fair and accessible solutions for all public transportation providers at the airport. He also directed the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to compile a detailed report outlining the key issues and proposed legal amendments to ensure more equitable treatment for traditional taxi operators.
Officials from the Ministry of Transport, AOT, the DLT, and legal teams from the taxi association are expected to work together on possible revisions to the current framework. Surapong emphasized that any changes must serve the public interest while addressing the hardships faced by drivers.
The taxi drivers stressed that their protest was not politically motivated, but a direct response to economic hardship. They warned that if their demands are not addressed through dialogue, they may escalate their demonstrations, potentially including blockades at Suvarnabhumi Airport in the future.
