The Minister of Transport confirmed that the Digital Taxi Meter aims to improve the quality of Thai taxis, emphasizing that there has been no increase in fares.

The Minister of Transport confirmed that the Digital Taxi Meter is a development and upgrade concept for Thai taxis. He emphasized that there will be no fare increase and is confident that all parties involved will benefit.

October 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Rajadamnoen Meeting Room, Rajaratchasom Club Building, Ministry of Transport Ms. Mallika Jiraphanwanich, Deputy Minister of Transport Along with Mr. Panya Chuphanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Head of the Transport Mission Group, and Mr. Sorapong Paitoonphong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport.

Participated in clarifying the facts regarding the guidelines for upgrading taxis with a Digital Taxi Meter to enhance taxi service efficiency, modernize transparency, and build greater passenger confidence in the future. This includes strict enforcement of the law to crack down on illegal taxis. This statement confirmed that there will be no increase in taxi fares as per rumors.

Ms. Mallika said that The Ministry of Transport, through the Department of Land Transport (DLT), would like to clarify the facts regarding the Digital Taxi Meter policy, which aims to raise the standards of taxi service, create transparency, and enhance safety for users.

1. Increase the confidence and safety of service users. The Digital Taxi Meter is not just a fare adjustment. Instead, it features a QR code system that passengers can scan to instantly verify the driver's identity. This prevents illegal taxis or impersonation. It also provides a direct link to the DLT's complaints system, allowing passengers to immediately report any denials.

This measure ensures passenger safety and is verifiable. Furthermore, there will be a fare assessment channel to enable the public to estimate travel expenses. Importantly, a GPS system will be installed in the meter, which will verify fares against actual travel times and report any irregularities to the DLT.

2. Use technology to raise the standards of Thai taxis. Digital Taxi Meter uses GPS, which can use the data to evaluate driver performance (KPIs), such as driving behavior. This data will help raise the overall standards of Thai taxis.

3. “Prices have not yet been increased” but fair fare guidelines are being studied. The development of a digital taxi meter system is still in the implementation phase. It's merely a concept that requires a comprehensive assessment of its impacts from all angles. Once enacted, it will apply to new vehicles registered in the future or voluntarily, without affecting or burdening existing taxi drivers. I would like to confirm that rumors of taxi fare adjustments are "not true." No fare increases have been made.

4. Allow existing taxi drivers to join. Rumors suggesting that the Digital Taxi Meter will only support new taxis no older than four years and new vehicles may raise concerns among existing taxi drivers. We reiterate that existing taxis can also participate if their vehicles are maintained in good condition, kept clean, and pass inspections according to the DLT's criteria. This approach will help existing taxi operators remain in the system while also improving the overall quality of taxis.

5. Focus on passenger safety and convenience. The heart of the Digital Taxi Meter is to “ensure that service users will receive safe, convenient, transparent, and auditable services, and that they will not be taken advantage of.”

"I would like to reaffirm to the public that this Digital Taxi Meter policy will benefit all parties involved. Passengers will experience increased safety, transparency in fare calculations, a quick and efficient complaints channel, and increased confidence in taxi service usage overall. Taxi drivers will benefit from a standardized operating system, fair competition, and a professional image enhancement. Furthermore, the DLT will provide accurate data for future development planning and will help elevate the standards of public transportation in Thailand." Ms. Mallika said

refer : www.thaigov.go.th

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