Angry taxi drivers have threatened to plunge Bangkok into gridlock, vowing to blockade both Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Government House unless Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra revokes Grab’s access to the capital’s main travel hub.
Frustration boiled over outside Government House on May 21, where over 50 cab drivers gathered at Gate 5, demanding an end to what they denounced as “unfair favouritism” toward Grab’s operations at Suvarnabhumi.
The protest, led by Worapol Kamkhuntod, head of the Association of Professional Drivers of Public Taxi Vehicles, accused the government of turning its back on local taxi workers in favour of multinational ride-hailing apps.
“If the government chooses Grab, it’s treason. Grab is not a Thai company. Why are they getting all the benefits while we suffer?”
The drivers urged both the Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit to repeal two regulations they say cater to corporate interests—one allowing small hire cars, and another legalizing e-hailing platforms such as Grab.
Worapol argued that granting Grab exclusive pick-up zones at the airport is driving traditional drivers out of business.
“Airports are the windows to our country. When tourists get scammed or have bad experiences, taxi drivers are always blamed, even if it’s not us. It ruins our reputation.”
The group claims that foreign-backed platforms like Grab are dismantling Thailand’s traditional taxi industry by offering free apps and aggressive promotions that undercut everyday drivers.
“This isn’t about politics,” said Worapol. “It’s about survival. The government promised us dignity and fair work. Now they’ve sold us out to the apps.”
In a dramatic move, the protesters delivered an ultimatum: remove Grab from Suvarnabhumi or face mass disruption. They warned that if their demands are ignored, they may escalate their campaign by blocking access roads to and from the airport.
With pressure building, attention now turns to the Prime Minister’s response—will the administration yield to the taxi drivers’ demands, or risk a full-blown confrontation?
