Daily Times

THAILAND: The government of Thailand is to ban Uber and Grab, a transport official said on Tuesday. Thailand’s transport authorities have begun a crackdown on drivers for ride-hailing services.

US-based Uber has faced regulatory hurdles around the world and when it began operating in Thailand in 2014, the Department of Land Transport said its drivers were not properly registered or insured and its payment system did not meet regulations.

But authorities have formerly finished small to stop Uber or other ride-hailing services as they have grown in recognition among Thais and unfamiliar visitors in a vital traveler centre.

Authorities had already fined 23 Uber drivers in Bangkok this week compared to only 83 others since Uber began operations, said Sugree Carupom, an transport department official, adding that Grab drivers too have been fined, though not as many as Uber. Drivers who are caught will now also have licenses suspended for up to six months and be fined 2,000 baht ($57).

“We’re using stricter measures,” Sugree said in a statement. “The services are worrying because it is hard for the government to regulate.”

The department’s Deputy Director General Nanthapong Cherdchu said it would ask the junta to use an emergency measure to shut down the app if need be because it was disrupting the traditional public.