Showing 11 - 20 of 21
Turn taxis around
News, Editorial, Published on 25/06/2019
» Plans by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to legalise ride-hailing services, in particular Grab, are a major step forward in improving taxi services in the country.
Police reform can't be shelved
News, Editorial, Published on 10/02/2019
» A recent scandal involving a police officer allegedly taking bribes from a karaoke bar in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pra Thong Kham district is a reminder how the need for reform in the least popular service has not been met.
The meter is ticking
News, Editorial, Published on 14/11/2018
» For some three years running, the Ministry of Transport has used a stick against recalcitrant and surly Bangkok taxi drivers. Now, the minister himself is on the verge of switching tactics and wants to try using the carrot. Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith thinks a relatively small raise in fares might also raise smiles and turn the dark mood of drivers sunny. This seems unlikely.
Give Uber, Grab a fare go
News, Editorial, Published on 09/03/2017
» Over the past week, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has toughened its stance against major cab-hailing services, Uber and Grab Taxi, undertaking a series of "sting operations" to crack down on their drivers in the northern city of Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Justice system put on trial
News, Editorial, Published on 24/02/2017
» Following the much-publicised wrongful imprisonment claim by former schoolteacher Jomsap Saenmuangkhot, similar alleged "scapegoat" cases have recently come to light.
Unacceptably North Korean
News, Editorial, Published on 21/02/2017
» Once again North Korean agents have triggered tensions and outrage in Southeast Asia, this time spilling blood in Malaysia. The killing of Kim Jong-nam last week at Kuala Lumpur International Airport was far beyond the description of a "diplomatic incident".
Hailing future of taxi service
News, Editorial, Published on 03/11/2016
» The latest move by Uber, a smartphone-based taxi service, to expand its service to Chiang Mai, is a reminder to the Transport Ministry that it is time to clear up the legal concerns which affect operators of this increasingly popular ride-sharing business.
Law needs fairer hand
News, Editorial, Published on 27/06/2016
» Recent incidents have highlighted a need for reform of not just laws in Thailand, but attitudes, to bring the country into the 21st century. One of those incidents gained a high level of prominence because of social media. A taxi driver hired by a woman on Sukhumvit Road groped and abused her, causing a great deal of distress. Fortunately, she retained enough of her wits to fend off the physical and verbal assault, and took photos of the driver as he repeatedly touched her. She then took the incident to the police. And at this point, it all turned unsettling.
Blow for start-ups
News, Editorial, Published on 23/05/2016
» The decision to axe the start-up motorcycle taxi businesses UberMoto and GrabBike was poorly considered and has already sparked a toxic reaction from the public and entrepreneurs. The effect of the ban on the smartphone-controlled public transportation business is widespread, and is having a negative impact on government policy. More importantly, it is causing confusion and resentment among the public and potential start-up investors.
Taxis do not deserve rise
News, Editorial, Published on 28/12/2015
» The Transport Ministry has given a small New Year's gift to Bangkok commuters. It isn't much and is likely to be snatched back after limited use. The "gift" is a refusal to allow taxi drivers to raise their fares for the second time this year. The reason given to drivers is they are just not giving the kind of service that warrants a second meter adjustment.