BANGKOK — The growing protest by Bangkok taxi operators demanding government intervention to remove app-based ride-hailing drivers from Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to escalate in the coming week.
The “United Thai Taxi Drivers Group” got over 50 taxis to block traffic in front of Government House on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, causing severe traffic jams on May 20. The group is calling on the government to repeal the 2017 and 2022 regulations issued by the Ministry of Transport, which favor app-based ride-hailing services and, in their opinion, have led to market inequality and unfair competition, especially at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has scheduled a meeting with relevant authorities, including the Airports of Thailand (AOT), on May 28 to discuss the cab group’s demands. Cab representatives will also attend the meeting to find a solution that respects the rights of traditional drivers while ensuring that passengers retain their service options.
Woraphon Kaemkhuntod, president of the Professional Association of Public Taxi Drivers, said taxi drivers would escalate their protest by blocking the entrances and exits of Suvarnabhumi airport if the meeting did not yield results.
Jirut Wisanjit, director general of the DLT, reacted immediately and said that the authorities would have no choice but to take legal action in the event of such a move.
“Threatening to close the airport if the Ministry of Transportation and other authorities do not relent, which simply cannot happen,” he said.
App-Based Fares Higher, Not Lower
Amid rising tensions, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has spoken out on complaints from cab associations that app-based fares are unfairly low. He clarified that app-based fares are in fact higher than traditional cab fares as additional service charges apply.
“In today’s changing conditions, app platforms are a new form of business that offers passengers more convenience,” he said. “But I assure you that fares on these platforms are definitely higher than regular metered cabs. We need to come to a mutual understanding.”
Airport Zones Controlled by AOT
Taxi drivers in Suvarnabhumi airport argue that app-based services have cut into their income as more and more passengers switch to ride-hailing apps. They are calling for the app-based pick-up zones inside the airport to be lifted.
Suriya acknowledged the cab drivers’ concerns but said that it was his duty to prioritize public interest by expanding transportation options.
The DLT chief added that while the ministry’s regulations prohibit the setting up of cab stands on public roads, the zones in question are on private land managed by the AOT, which has the full right to manage its premises. However, if ride-hailing stands are set up on public roads, this would be illegal.
Attacking Grab as “Not a Thai Company”
Woraphon, president of the cab association, said the protest stemmed from the government allowing Grab drivers to set up pick-up points at Suvarnabhumi airport. He claimed the increasing use of such platforms put traditional cab drivers at a disadvantage and accused the government of favoring corporate interests.
“The government must be clear: will it side with Grab drivers or cab drivers? If it chooses Grab, it will be a betrayal of the nation. Grab is not a Thai company,” he said.
Khon Kaen Taxis Back the Protest
Amphon Khotboonma, chairman of the Khon Kaen Airport Taxi Association, supported the protests in Bangkok and called on the government to ensure justice for law-abiding drivers.
He emphasized that the problems related to illegal ride-hailing vehicles and vehicles with black plates (private vehicles used as cabs) have existed for years without the government taking decisive action.
At Khon Kaen Airport, he said, about 40 registered cabs operate daily under the supervision of the airport, competing with six black-plate cabs and over 30 private vehicles on an app basis, even though the provincial airports only have morning, midday and evening flights.
He emphasized that legal taxis must comply with DLT regulations that impose higher costs on operators, such as public driving licenses, premium insurance, engine and vehicle size standards, regular inspections, driver training and first aid certifications.
In contrast, app-based drivers use any type of car, often without proper insurance or a public driver’s license.
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