Understand and Find a Mechanism to Enhance the Power of App-based Food Delivery Riders in Thailand

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Background and Objectives: To explore new possibilities for finding spaces that can support the opportunity for dialogue and exchange among food delivery workers on digital platforms, which will strengthen their collective efforts to demand rights for the group, instead of establishing a union that is not recognized by law. This is because food delivery workers are currently controlled by digital technology rather than working in traditional physical workplaces. In the case of Thailand, food delivery workers are not classified as employees with social protection rights and do not have the legal right to form a union or demand rights under labour laws. As a result, their voices are ignored, and they lack bargaining power to demand better working conditions. Methods: The study employed a method of reviewing relevant academic documents, gathering data on the environment related to app-based food delivery workers, and synthesizing this information to explore the possibilities based on the actual conditions experienced by individuals in this occupation. Results: Although digital platforms disrupt the working conditions of food delivery workers, they can also serve as new public spaces for fostering community and advocacy. These online spaces enable workers to share experiences, discuss challenges, and collectively push for better working conditions and labour rights. By facilitating open dialogue and mutual support, these platforms can strengthen their collective voice, empowering workers to advocate for changes in their work environment. Application of this study: Food delivery workers can increase their bargaining power for labour rights by utilizing online spaces, as these can be free spaces from hierarchical legal structures. This can lead to demands arising from the consensus of the food delivery workers in the online system, empowering their collective voice to negotiate and protect their labour rights with authorities. Conclusions: Establishing an online platform as a communicative space for food delivery riders is crucial for addressing the challenges they face, particularly their lack of bargaining power. This digital public space will serve as a vital forum for riders to share experiences, discuss common issues, and collectively determine goals, thereby fostering a sense of community and solidarity. By facilitating open dialogue and mutual understanding, such a platform empowers riders to advocate for improved working conditions and more labour rights. Ultimately, this participatory mechanism not only enhances their ability to negotiate with agencies but also strengthens their collective voice, promoting a sustainable and supportive work environment.