Thailand/Taxis

OPINION: The Taxi vs. App War – Time to Adapt, Not Just Protest

The recent move by meter taxi drivers to protest against ride-hailing services like Grab and Bolt by blocking access to Suvarnabhumi Airport and demanding government action highlights a deeper clash between traditional services and modern convenience. At first glance, their frustration is understandable. They are licensed public vehicles, paying for permits, meter calibrations, and in some cases, running their business under far stricter regulations than their digital-era counterparts.

"Why should we follow all the rules and pay taxes, while Grab drivers do what they want?" some argue — and that’s not an invalid point. There’s an issue of unequal playing fields, especially when some app-based drivers may skirt around regulations such as public transport licensing, car inspections, or income declaration.

But the story isn’t black and white.

Let’s be honest — many people stopped hailing taxis not because of the app, but because of the hustle. Tourists and locals alike have grown weary of the classic tactics:

• “No meter, must pay 500 baht.”
• “I not go there, too far.”
• “Traffic jam, I charge more.”

These experiences, while not reflective of all drivers, have built up enough negative perception that when Grab and Bolt entered the scene offering upfront pricing, route tracking, and ratings, the masses naturally shifted.

And now, there’s a new breed of drivers — EV car owners working part-time, office workers grabbing fares on the way home, and even students — all taking bites out of the once-monopolized transportation pie. Apps have reduced entry barriers, and many see it not as job theft, but democratized opportunity.

Yet we must acknowledge that regulation matters. Safety, insurance, background checks — these should apply to all, app or not. A uniform system that ensures accountability for both traditional and app-based drivers is necessary. The government can’t let one group drown while the other swims freely.

The solution isn't banning apps or protesting passengers — it's evolution.

Taxi operators can:

• Join legal platforms (some apps allow meter taxi integration),
• Adopt EVs or hybrid models to reduce costs,
• Offer fixed rates or digital payments to stay competitive,
• And most importantly — rebuild trust.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about cars and apps — it’s about how you treat the people inside them.

Because whether you’re driving a meter taxi or a Tesla on Grab, respect, fairness, and adaptation are what keep the wheels turning.