GrabFood riders block app in row over B10 fee increase

GrabFood riders block app in row over B10 fee increase

PHUKET: GrabFood riders in Phuket yesterday blocked the app they relied on to take orders to demand a 10-baht increase to their base fee.

Natthisorn Boontaen, a representative of Phuket's GrabFood riders, said half of the 1,000 riders on the resort island had blocked the app in protest and some 100 of them gathered at the Saphan Hin public park in Muang district to pressure the operator.

Their previous attempt at submitting a letter seeking an increase failed as nobody from Grab showed up to receive it, said Mr Natthisorn.

Under the current rate, GrabFood riders are paid 30 baht for each delivery within a 4km radius. They want the rate to be increased to 40 baht within 4.5km, and then by 10 baht per kilometre. For orders in areas like Patong and Kathu or Muang district, the riders want an additional 10 baht, he said.

"Talks were held between representatives of the riders and the operator about bringing delivery fee up to 55 baht. However, Grab claimed it could not make a profit and cut the rate to 30 baht. The operator then decided to collect 10 baht from customers, leading to a drop in orders. GrabFood riders were also affected. We demand a 10-baht increase because some of us left full-time jobs for this," said Mr Natthisorn.

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