The Interplay of Labor and Capital Perspectives on the Formalization Approaches: Motorcycle Taxi Drivers in Bangkok

Abstract

Motorcycle taxi drivers are categorized as self-employed and informal workers. The interplay between formality and informality is examined in this article from the labor and capital perspectives on formalization approaches. Both questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews are data collecting methods that are followed by data analysis. The results are significant because these reveal overlaps and informality hidden inside formality, as well as illegal practices by stakeholders in occupational registration and social assistance programs, along with factors affecting short-term cash transfer programs during the COVID-19 epidemic. The suggestion revolves upon two key points: 1) The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) should be held accountable for a response caused by its urban transportation network; and 2) Government agencies should demonstrate institutionalized corruption in this occupation as the underlying cause of the unproductive means-testing method of providing social assistance during a virus outbreak.