BANGKOK — Riders working for Chinese food delivery apps in Bangkok have defended their work after online criticism raised questions about registration, legality and competition in the delivery market.
The controversy began after a Facebook user posted a photo of a rider from a Chinese delivery app in the Line Man Rider Thailand group, asking what the app was and noting that the motorcycle appeared to have no visible licence plate. The post drew widespread discussion online.
On June 23, reporters visited Pracha Rat Bamphen Road in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district, where several riders for the Chinese app Gookoo were found. Their motorcycles were seen with proper licence plates. Reporters also observed many riders working for E-gets, as well as some riders for Feixiang, also known as “Flying Elephant.”
“Beer”, a Gookoo rider, said he began working for the app three years ago after losing his job. He said he first discovered the app online and saw friends working for it before deciding to join.
He insisted the company was properly tax-registered and operating legally, saying it had documents to clarify its status.
Beer said he usually completes about 20 jobs a day and earns more than 1,000 baht, depending on how hard he works. He said the income had allowed him to pay off his debts.
“As for people attacking us, I don’t know what to say. It’s legal, so let them talk. We are making an honest living,” he said.
Two E-gets riders, identified as Kero and Do, said they joined the app after hearing from senior riders that the income was good and that riders received a monthly salary. They said they found the pay better than on other delivery platforms.
They said jobs are assigned through administrators, who also help translate messages so riders can communicate with customers. They added that critics may not understand the system, saying the app provides welfare benefits and social security for riders, similar to regular employees.
Kai, another E-gets rider, said he chose the app because it pays well per delivery, allowing him to earn more than 1,000 baht a day. Most orders involve Chinese and Thai food deliveries around Pracha Rat Bamphen and Pracha Songkhro. He said the work has supported him for about a year.
Tan, 47, an E-gets customer, said she uses the app because delivery fees are low and promotions are frequent. She said a 50-baht cup of coffee can sometimes be discounted to 30 baht, with delivery costing about 15 baht.
She said she had seen three Chinese delivery apps operating in the area, with E-gets appearing to have the most riders. From a customer’s perspective, she said more apps mean more options.
Asked about claims that the apps are taking jobs from Thai workers, Tan said most riders she had seen appeared to be Thai.
“I have never seen Chinese people doing this work,” she said.
