Thai authorities label Uber, GrabCar as illegal services

Illustrative image (Source: dailytimes.com.pk)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s government has announced that private car ride-hailing services like Uber and GrabCar are illegal, and the country is planning to develop its own taxi app for local passengers.

Officials of the Thai Ministry of Transport said using private cars for transport services is illegal, because the vehicles are not registered for public transport. Only services using smart-phone apps that call licensed taxis are legal.

Thailand’s authorities had previously warned and fined drivers who provided the Uber and GrabCar services.

The government plans to introduce its own cell phone app, TAXI OK, for passengers to call government-endorsed taxis featuring GPS tracking systems and closed-circuit cameras.

In a statement, Uber said it would continue to seek to have its ride-sharing services legalised.-VNA