Riders demand enhanced compensation and benefits on the platform
Digital platform riders in Thailand should be reclassified as company employees under social security law, according to a Thammasat University academic.
Instead of being incorrectly labeled as "semi-independent" workers - one of two types of informal workers defined by the freelance labour bill - platform riders should be seen as employees, says Asst Prof Kritsada Theerakosonphong, a Thammasat University lecturer and member of a subcommittee on the development of the Social Security system under Section 40 of the Social Security Act.
The other type of freelance worker defined in the same draft law is an "independent worker," he explains, referring to those without employers such as farmers who own their land, street vendors, and motorcycle taxi drivers.
The definition of a platform delivery rider in this draft law would deny them access to work benefits and restrict them from the formal labour system, despite their adherence to company rules, uniform requirements, and high-risk work conditions like road accidents, he noted.
This classification has drawn criticism from a labour network, which submitted an open letter to Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on April 18, expressing their objection to the bill. The bill, currently awaiting cabinet approval, has reportedly been in the works since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Asst Prof Kritsada emphasizes that this misclassification is a fundamental error. "For semi-independent workers, this is a fundamental misclassification. Just look at the name, it's obvious that they are not truly independent," he said. "Riders are at high risk of road accidents. Yet because they're labeled as freelancers, companies take no responsibility to protect them," he added.
While specific details about Thailand's proposals to reclassify digital platform riders remain unclear, global trends suggest a recognition of platform workers' employment rights. To stay informed on this issue, checking Thailand’s 2024–2025 legislative agendas or announcements from its Ministry of Labour is recommended.
- Thammasat University academic Asst Prof Kritsada Theerakosonphong, a member of a subcommittee on the development of the Social Security system, argues that digital platform riders in Thailand should be reclassified as company employees under social security law.
- Asst Prof Kritsada believes that riders are not truly independent, despite being labeled as semi-independent workers, as they are subject to company rules, uniform requirements, and high-risk work conditions.
- He notes that the current classification denies them access to work benefits and restricts them from the formal labour system, despite their adherence to these requirements.
- Global trends indicate a recognition of platform workers' employment rights, and staying informed on Thailand's 2024–2025 legislative agendas or announcements from its Ministry of Labour is recommended.
