Bangkok, 13 February 2025 – Ride-hailing services have transformed urban mobility, offering a fast, convenient, and accessible alternative to private cars. With just a few taps on a smartphone, users can hail a ride anytime, anywhere—connecting passengers and drivers seamlessly.
As the industry continues to grow, Bolt has released its latest Economic Report, highlighting the role of ride-hailing in the economy, labor sector, and urban infrastructure. The report sheds light on industry trends, as well as opportunities for sustainable support and development.
Beyond convenience, the industry plays a critical role in Thailand’s economy, creating income opportunities, supporting local businesses, and reducing reliance on private vehicles. However, for ride-hailing to reach its full potential, regulatory frameworks must evolve to meet modern mobility needs.
Driving Economic Growth and Earning Opportunities
According to the Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum, the global shared mobility sector is projected to create income opportunities for 16 million drivers by 2030. Ride-hailing growth in Thailand is significant, with major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and Hat Yai—along with emerging markets like Chiang Rai and Udon Thani—experiencing up to 90% growth.
Today, more than 500,000 drivers in Thailand earn a living through ride-hailing platforms, with the sector growing at an average rate of 10% per year. About 75% of these drivers earn approximately THB 30,000 per month—more than double the country’s minimum wage. The industry is expected to generate over THB 20 billion in revenue annually, including THB 33 million in tax contributions, while also boosting Thailand’s automotive sector through vehicle sales, leasing, and maintenance, valued at THB 55 billion per year.
Enhancing Urban Mobility and Tourism
Ride-hailing does more than just move people—it fuels local economies.“Our services help people get where they need to be more efficiently, reducing time costs and supporting local businesses,” said Nathadon Suksiritarnan, General Manager of Bolt Thailand. “By leveraging technology, we are committed to helping drivers achieve stable incomes while ensuring passengers receive safe, reliable, and affordable rides.”
Tourism is another key beneficiary. Data shows that 60% of ride-hailing users in Thailand use these services at least once a month, with 25% being international visitors. This sector alone generates an estimated THB 17.8 billion in local business revenue annually.
Reducing Dependence on Private Cars
Ride-hailing is also shifting attitudes toward car ownership. A survey of 1,200 Thai users found that 12.5% of non-car owners had previously sold their vehicles, while 23% of current car owners are considering selling theirs—choosing app-based rides over the costs of owning a car.
However, the industry still faces regulatory challenges, particularly regarding outdated laws on motorcycle taxi services, which were established nearly 50 years ago. Complex licensing processes and high insurance costs for part-time drivers continue to be significant barriers for drivers, limiting broader industry growth.
To unlock the full potential of ride-hailing, Thailand’s regulatory framework must adapt to current economic and social realities. Key policy recommendations include:
• Modernising licensing and registration processes to reduce complexity for new drivers.
• Adjusting insurance requirements to make coverage more accessible for part-time and gig economy workers.
• Updating outdated transport laws to align with evolving mobility trends.
“Driving for a ride-hailing platform has provided me with a stable secondary income that complements my small business,” said Phlawat Phongakkarapakin, a Bangkok-based driver of over a year. “This financial flexibility has made a significant difference in my life.”
To support the growth of the ride-hailing industry through applications in a stable manner, it is necessary to improve the legal framework and regulatory processes to align with the rapidly changing economic and social context. This includes simplifying the registration process, reviewing the documentation requirements for registration to better reflect the actual circumstances, and establishing cost-support measures, such as developing flexible and accessible insurance products. These measures will help facilitate the entry of drivers into the system, promote the efficient growth of the industry, and support the development of digital technologies to elevate the industry to international standards.
Several research studies have confirmed the crucial role of the ride-hailing service industry in driving the Thai economy. In addition to creating income opportunities for drivers and stimulating local economies, it also reduces dependence on private cars, alleviates traffic congestion, and supports the development of a more efficient transportation system.
Extensive research highlights ride-hailing’s vital role in Thailand’s transportation, tourism, and economic sectors. Bolt is committed to fostering a stronger transportation infrastructure, investing in advanced technology, and promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors to elevate industry standards.
By advancing smart regulations and digital solutions, Bolt aims to create a more efficient, safe, and sustainable ride-hailing ecosystem—benefiting passengers, drivers, and the Thai economy as a whole.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น