Southeast Asia’s Ride-Hailing Future in Focus at First Regional Summit Co-Hosted by Bolt

Bolt Thailand joined industry leaders, policymakers, and mobility experts in co-organising Southeast Asia’s first-ever Ride-Hailing Industry Summit, held on 19–20 June at Centara Grand, Central Ladprao, Bangkok. The summit gathered more than 250participants—including public officials, tech innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs—to explore how ride-hailing platforms can support the region’s shift toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable cities.

Brought to Thailand by Oppland Media and co-hosted by Bolt, the summit created a first-of-its-kind space for Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing community to share ideas, examine regulatory developments, and build a collective vision for the future of urban mobility. With Southeast Asia’s cities facing mounting pressure from congestion and infrastructure gaps, the summit emphasised the need for joint action between the private sector and policymakers.

In his keynote presentation titled “Ride-Hailing: Shaping Smarter, Safer Cities for People”, Nathadon spotlighted the growing burden of car-centric development in Thailand, including rising congestion, poor parking infrastructure, and declining urban livability.

 “Thailand’s cities are at a tipping point,” he said. “With more than 20 million registered vehicles and one of the highest congestion indices globally, we need to rethink how we move. Ride-hailing can play a major role in helping cities become more efficient, breathable, and people-first.” 

He underscored how Bolt, is helping reduce reliance on private vehicles by offering scalable, affordable alternatives, backed by flexible pricing and a strong driver network operating in over 35 cities nationwide.

 Representing Bolt Malaysia, Afzan Lutfi, General Manager, participated in a panel focused on the evolving role of two-wheel transport in Southeast Asia. His remarks highlighted the importance of motorcycles and light vehicles in serving underserved communities and addressing last-mile transport challenges.

 Ride-hailing is more than a service—it’s part of a bigger solution. Bolt is committed to working alongside city leaders, regulators, and communities to build an accessible and affordable transport future, not just in Thailand but across Southeast Asia,” said Afzan.

 As Southeast Asia’s cities grapple with growing mobility demands, the summit marked a pivotal step in aligning private innovation with public priorities. Industry leaders shared that ride-hailing must evolve beyond convenience, toward enabling more efficient and accessible transport ecosystems. With shared insights and collective momentum, the region is poised to redefine urban mobility for the next generation.