Thailand Mandates Faster Bolt Rider Registration for Safer Rides
Bangkok—To improve ride-hailing safety and regulatory compliance, Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is pressing Bolt to accelerate its rider registration process. A meeting between Ministry officials and a senior Bolt executive highlighted the urgent need for all riders to meet Department of Land Transport (DLT) standards. This initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to a secure and affordable ride-hailing environment.
Following a meeting with Eirini Zefeiratou, Bolt’s Vice President of Global Public Policy and Legal Affairs, Sorapong Paitoonphong, the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, emphasized key outcomes. Most significantly, Bolt pledged to revise its rider registration procedures to fully comply with DLT requirements. This includes stricter adherence to vehicle specifications and mandatory public driving licenses for all riders—a crucial step towards professionalizing the service and improving road safety. This action addresses concerns about unregistered or unqualified riders.
The DLT also requested Bolt expedite registration for motorcycle and car riders who have begun but not completed the process. This push for comprehensive registration aims to create a more transparent and accountable system benefiting both riders and passengers. Full compliance will minimize disputes and improve the reliability of ride-hailing services.
Mr. Paitoonphong stressed the urgency of accident prevention, noting that the demanding nature of ride-hailing work—often involving heavy workloads and tight deadlines—can incentivize prioritizing speed over safety. This pressure can create hazardous situations for riders and other road users. The government’s proactive approach aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring all drivers are properly licensed and operate safe vehicles.
Ms. Zefeiratou confirmed Bolt’s commitment to all legal requirements, stating that the company has implemented internal regulations mandating public driving licenses and proper vehicle registration in accordance with DLT guidelines. She emphasized that all necessary documentation must be uploaded by the end of the month; otherwise, riders face account suspension. This decisive action underscores Bolt’s commitment to working with the Thai government to improve service safety and quality.
This collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and Bolt represents a significant step toward a more robust and regulated ride-hailing sector in Thailand. By focusing on rider registration and compliance, both parties are working toward safe, reliable, and legally compliant transportation services. Continued dialogue and commitment to improvement promise to further enhance Thailand’s ride-hailing landscape for both the industry and the public.
