Grab Thailand, in partnership with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), is continuing its flagship GrabAcademy programme under the theme “Quality Drivers, Powered by Heart,” offering tailored trainings to enhance drivers’ service quality, elevate ride-hailing industry standards, and strengthen trust in Thailand’s tourism.

This year’s highlights feature the specially designed course “5 Steps to 5-Star Service,” co-developed with Dusit Thani College, which equips drivers with practical techniques to boost passenger satisfaction and earn 5-star ratings.  Other key sessions include  “Effective Communication for Making a Lasting Impression” by communication expert and renowned podcaster Dr. Wit Sitthivekin, and “Vehicle Maintenance and Service Excellence” conducted by Thai Yamaha Motor and B-Quik. 

Maythinee Anavachkul, Director of Mobility and Driver Operations at Grab Thailand, commented, “Public transport services play a vital role not only in people’s daily commutes, but also in supporting Thailand’s tourism sector. Professional driver conduct and service excellence leave a positive first impression and build trust among both local and international passengers.” 

“As a pioneer and leader in ride-hailing, Grab is committed to driving innovation and safety, as well as enhancing the quality and service standards of our drivers. Through initiatives like GrabAcademy, we continue to upskill drivers and raise industry standards so that passengers enjoy a seamless, safe and memorable ride experience.” 

Launched in Thailand in collaboration with depa in 2020, GrabAcademy is a comprehensive learning platform accessible through the Grab app. It provides Grab drivers and merchant-partners the knowledge and skills to improve service quality and enhance earning potential. The available courses cover a range of topics, including service excellence techniques, basic tax and financial planning, and basic foreign language skills for daily communication with passengers To date, the platform features 32 dedicated training modules for drivers, with more than 3 million cumulative training completions.

This year’s programme themed “Quality Drivers, Powered by Heart” focuses on three core areas:

• The “5 Step to 5-Star Service” course, by Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s leading hospitality and culinary arts educational institution: The course is designed to equip drivers through five key service pillars: Good Appearance by maintaining proper attire and a professional look; Good Manners by demonstrating courteous, humble, and good gestures throughout the ride;  Good Knowledge by being ready to serve both physically and mentally, understanding passengers’ needs and expectations, and being able to use technology efficiently; Good Speech by communicating politely and appropriately; and Good Attitude by taking pride in their role as a front-line service provider who contributes to a positive passenger experience.  
• The “Effective Communication for Making a Lasting Impression” course, by Dr. Wit Sitthivekin:  Drawn from real-life experiences using Grab services, this course introduces communication techniques and basic foreign greetings to help drivers handle various service scenarios and interact effectively with both local and foreign passengers, enabling them to make a lasting impression and earn 5-star ratings and tips.
• The “Vehicle Maintenance and Service Excellence” course, by B-Quik, a comprehensive car service center, and Thai Yamaha Motor, the leader in manufacturing and distribution of motorcycles:  This module shares essential vehicle maintenance techniques, equipping drivers with the skills to properly inspect and maintain their car or motorcycles, ensuring they are ready to provide passengers with safe, reliable, and high-quality service.

“Grab remains committed to raising the standards of app-based ride-hailing services, with a strong focus on safety, innovation, and service excellence. We believe ride-hailing services not only provide convenience to many people, but also serve as the first touchpoint that welcomes travelers and shapes their experience from the moment they arrive at the airport.” 

“Through this programme, we hope our skilled and trained drivers can help elevate the ride-hailing industry, promote Thai tourism, and boost the positive image of Thailand,” Maythinee concluded.