Thailand Mandates Public Driving Licenses for App-Based Ride-Hailing Drivers

On September 5, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploy-Talay Laksameesangchan announced that the Thai government is enforcing a new requirement for all drivers operating through ride-hailing applications. To improve service quality and passenger security, all such drivers must possess a valid public driving license by September 30, 2026.

According to Khaosod Online, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is actively facilitating this transition. The DLT has designated specific areas at its headquarters to assist drivers—notably those associated with the Bolt platform, which recently paused operations to ensure regulatory compliance—in registering and verifying their credentials. Drivers are required to complete online training via the official DLT e-learning portal, followed by an in-person visit to a transport office for physical aptitude testing, theoretical examinations, and a criminal background check.

For residents and travelers, this initiative aims to standardize safety protocols across the ride-hailing sector. While the government is streamlining the process to meet the end-of-month deadline, it remains to be seen how effectively the high volume of applicants will be processed and whether all major ride-hailing platforms will achieve full compliance by the specified date. Users should be aware that service availability may fluctuate as platforms and drivers work to meet these legal requirements.