Grab Thailand has joined forces with the Thai Taxi Network Trade Association, together with key public and private sector partners, to host the “New-Gen Taxi: Ready for Change” event. The initiative aims to equip traditional taxi drivers from five major taxi cooperatives—Siam, Mittare, Phumipalang, Sahamit, and Luang Thong—with a refreshed mindset and the essential skills needed to thrive in the digital era. The event focused on three key activities: Change to Better Service, enhancing digital skills to help drivers earn additional income; Change to a Better Environment, offering opportunities to learn about and experience electric vehicles (EVs); and Change to Better Well-being, encouraging drivers to prioritise their health and safety while providing service.

Maythinee Anavachkul, Director of Mobility and Driver Operations at Grab Thailand, commented, “Grab has operated in Thailand for over 12 years, beginning with GrabTaxi—our on-demand taxi-hailing service—before expanding our mobility services to meet today’s diverse user needs. Throughout this journey, we’ve remained committed to innovating and developing technology that enhances service standards while ensuring convenience and safety for both drivers and passengers.” 

“We have also worked closely with the traditional taxi community to strengthen Thailand’s public transportation system. Building on these efforts, this year we collaborated with the Thai Taxi Network Trade Association to host the ‘New-Gen Taxi: Ready for Change’ event, inviting taxi drivers from its member cooperatives to learn new skills that help them confidently transition into the digital era and adapt to the evolving mobility landscape.”

Witoon Naewpanich, President of the Thai Taxi Network Trade Association and Chairman of the Bangkok Taxi Cooperative Network, stated, “Taxi drivers today face multiple challenges, from rising living costs and higher fuel expenses to  rapid technological change and shifting passenger behavior. The Thai taxi operating model must undergo ‘Change’ to keep pace with current working conditions. While tens of thousands of taxi drivers already use Grab’s platform to earn additional income, many others have never engaged with digital platforms.”

“This event, in partnership with Grab, marks a crucial step toward helping taxi drivers across our network, including Siam, Mittare, Phumipalang, Sahamit, and Luang Thong taxi cooperatives. totaling over 80,000 taxis, to better understand today’s landscape and gain access to the knowledge, tools, and guidance needed to elevate their service quality and earning potential in the digital era.”

The “New-Gen Taxi: Ready for Change” event promotes three essential skill areas to support sustainable improvements in drivers’ quality of life and service standards:

• Change to a Better Environment (EV Knowledge): Drivers learned about the GrabEV programme and the advantages of transitioning to electric vehicles, including reduced fuel costs and lower environmental impact. They also had the opportunity to test-drive various EV models, such as the AION Y Plus, AION ES, and MG EP.

• Change to a Better Well-Being (Health & Safety): Drivers received practical guidance on self-care, along with free health check-ups provided by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. The Thailand Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (T-OSH) also conducted road safety training to help create a safer and sustainable working environment.

• Change to Better Service (Digital Skills): Drivers were equipped with digital tools to increase their earning opportunities. Training included hands-on guidance on using the Grab app for ride-hailing service, as well as introduction to platform benefits, such as financial services and accident insurance.

Duean Suwanphum, a taxi driver from the Phumipalang Taxi Cooperative, shared his experience:, “I’ve been a taxi driver for more than 38 years and was among the first group of drivers to use Grab’s platform to earn additional income. In the past, I had to drive around looking for passengers on the street, but now I can simply provide service through the Grab app. It has made my work much more convenient and has increased my earnings.” 

“I learned many new things from this event, from how to take better care of my health to experiencing an electric vehicle, which can significantly reduce operating costs. I believe that in times of change, we must continue learning and adapting.  I encourage fellow taxi drivers to keep an open mind and embrace new ways of working that keep pace with today’s rapidly changing world.”