The Disruption of Platform Economy on Income Generating: A Case Study of Workers in On-Demand Food Delivery Platforms in Bangkok

Abstract

Since the rise platform economy or as many called ‘sharing economy’, it has been called as ‘disruptive’ by many due to its rapid expansion and many changes it has caused. Its effects have incited many discussions on the positive and negative impact platform economy has on workers. Of which this thesis focused on especially in the aspect of workers and income generating. This thesis synthesizes the claims from existing literatures that framed platform economy as disruptive and alternative income generating opportunity that would improve people earning and subsequently their economic life. It also considers the negative claims that framed it as a precarious and exploitative job. The thesis attempts to provide data to both claims by using platform economy in Thailand as case study with a focus on online on-demand food delivery platform in Bangkok. The thesis employs qualitative method by conducting in-depth interviews among 15 drivers from three of the largest food delivery platforms in Thailand: GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Lineman in order to examine the effect that platform economy has on people’s economic life especially in the aspect of income and income generating. The qualitative method also helps in examining the changes that were made by participating in the platform economy. From the finding it can be concluded that platform work in this case study is indeed beneficial in the aspect of income generating and improve financial situation and life of workers. Its differences in work structure as compared to traditional work also give more job opportunities for those who are at disadvantage such as people with low level of education or those who get rejected from traditional work due to their appearance. However it could be considered exploitative in a way that companies are benefiting the most and putting risk, pressure and responsibility on workers instead without providing guarantee and job security causing workers to face with precarity in employment.