BATTLING THE BIG APPS

Two new platforms offer local motorbike taxis and restaurants a commission-free alternative to existing ride-hailing services

- SUWITCHA CHAIYONG

In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an application called Tam Sang Tam Song (On Demand Delivery) was launched by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation in collaboration with the Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University. The app was developed to assist motorbike taxi drivers and local restaurants through economic difficulties caused by lockdowns. As a pilot app, it was tested in Ladprao Soi 101 in Bangkok, Betong and Yala and received positive feedback.

Because of the pandemic, people turned to mobile platforms for food delivery and ride hailing services. This change significantly affected the income of motorbike taxi drivers.

Chalerm Changthongmadun, head of the Motorbike Taxi Association of Thailand, revealed that from their usual earnings of 600 baht to 700 baht per day, it became difficult for motorbike taxi drivers to make even 500 baht a day.

People raised the question that instead of complaining about reduced income why didn’t motorbike taxi drivers (wins) join mobile platforms. Chalerm explained that there are regulations that specify their operating area. Win motorbike taxi drivers cannot pick up passengers outside their designated zone. On the other hand, motorbike drivers using ride hailing apps can be matched with passengers from any area. Though Win drivers feel that it is unfair, they do not want to break the law.

"I feel that the law does not protect us during a time when we cannot earn as much as we used to in the past. There are over 100,000 motorbike taxi drivers in Bangkok, but there was no tool that enabled passengers to connect with us. Before this, people had to walk to the Win to take a motorbike taxi, but now, they do not need to. Thus, we hope to have our own platform that can directly reach passengers and/or customers,” said Chalerm.