Delivery riders, often considered informal workers, are calling on the next government to ensure they receive the same benefits as regular employees, such as health insurance, according to an activist.
Pattamalak Thongsri, owner of the “Dearmedearyou” Facebook page, yesterday said that based on her research, in which numerous riders were interviewed, most of them faced issues such as road accidents and sexual harassment, without proper support from their companies.
She did not say how many drivers were interviewed.
She said they want the future government to change its policies and ensure they receive the same benefits as their colleagues who work in the office.
“In Thailand, ride-hailing platforms have been criticised for not adequately addressing the issue of harassment faced by their riders,” Ms Pattamalak said.
She said that instead of properly addressing such complaints, companies only block the culprits from using a specific rider’s services, as opposed to banning them completely from their app.
This approach may not be sufficient in addressing the issue and riders may feel neglected by the system, she said.
She said while many companies say that they are concerned by harassment issues, there is no clear policy on the matter.
Ms Pattamalak was speaking at a conference regarding the well-being of delivery riders at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre yesterday.
The event w