On 19 May 2025, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Chulalongkorn University’s Asia Research Cluster launched two digital platforms aimed at supporting motorcycle taxi drivers and small food vendors by offering delivery services with minimal transaction fees, in response to concerns over high commissions from major delivery firms. The newly introduced platforms — “Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai?” (translated as “Have You Been Here Before?”) and “Tamsang-Tamsong” (“Order and Deliver”) — are designed to provide affordable and accessible services for Thailand’s informal workers, particularly those operating in urban food and transport sectors. Developed with input from the target users, these systems seek to provide a more equitable alternative to corporate-run platforms that typically charge commission rates of up to 35%.
In contrast, the new apps operate at a significantly reduced rate of just 5 to 6 baht per transaction. The initiative is positioned as a means of redistributing profits toward local workers and improving community-level economic resilience.
Accessible through mobile apps and the LINE Chat Bot, the platforms prioritize driver allocation based on proximity and queue order, reducing waiting times and operational inefficiencies. Developers also emphasized the importance of user-friendly interfaces to ensure inclusivity for those less familiar with digital technology.
According to researchers involved in the project, the aim is not only to increase income but to foster long-term self-reliance among informal sector workers. In addition to boosting earnings, the platforms are designed to help vendors and drivers enter more formal financial networks and adopt basic service standards.
The apps were officially launched in 19 provinces, including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Yala, and are expected to reach 10 more regions by the end of 2025, as reported by the Thai Civil Rights and Investigative Journalism (TCIJ) Center.
Officials from the Motorcycle Drivers Association of Thailand, including its president, have expressed support for the initiative, noting the economic hardship many riders experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Daily income levels reportedly fell from an average of 700–800 baht to 400–500 baht, underscoring the vulnerability of the sector and the need for alternatives to major delivery platforms.
Both applications are available for free download on Google Play and the App Store.
