Uber executive meets with PM Prayut
A Uber executive met with Prayut during his official visit at the US-Asean Business Council event on Tuesday.
Justin Kintz, Uber’s senior director of policy and communications, said ride-sharing was a champion of start-ups in Thailand while Uber has clearly shown its intention to be part of the driving force.
Governments around Asia are increasingly embracing ride-sharing because they can see the benefits it brings for passengers, drivers and cities, he added.
“There are plenty of examples of countries that have successfully regulated ride-sharing, and we look forward to Thailand being counted among them,” Kintz said.
Uber’s service in Thailand has caused a dispute between registered taxi drivers and Uber drivers because there is no law to regulate a ride-sharing service. The Department of Land Transport ordered a feasibility study into the legalisation of such services in Thailand.
Last week, Uber also launched a new effort, using the right under section 133 of the 2017 Constitution, which requires 10,000 Thai citizens to sign a petition in order to suggest proposed amendments or new laws to the National Assembly.
Uber is asking for an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act B.E. 2522 (1979) that would allow ride-sharing for public and private vehicles via smartphone applications.