Indonesian startup Go-Jek has just launched its GET platform in Thailand, with three services to serve the market. The tech firm is reportedly looking to extend its reach to the Philippines.
Following initial testing in December, the Indonesian ride-hailing and logistics company launched its GET multi-service platform in Bangkok on Wednesday. A total of three services: Get Food, Get Delivery, and Get Win, were launched in the Thai capital, Tech in Asia reported.
Get Food will allow consumers to order meals from over 20,000 merchants in the country while Get Win was created for licensed drivers in the country who are registered in the motorcycle taxi market. The company said it is "committed to help existing drivers become part of Thailand's booming digital economy."
During the beta testing, a huge number of drivers already experienced the efficiency of Go-Jek's ride-hailing platform. CEO Pinya Nittayakasetwat noted that even if the beta launch in December only covered a "limited area of the city," a total of 2 million trips were completed to date. "This is undeniable proof of the need for more choice in our sector," he added.
With a successful launch in Thailand, Go-Jek has set its eyes on providing its GET services in the Philippines. However, Filipino regulators already rejected the Indonesian startup's request for a ride-hailing operating license.
Leading local network ABS-CBN News reported in January that the country's transport regulator, LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) said Go-Jek's Velox Technology Philippines unit did not meet Philippine requirements for foreign ownership.
Grab is currently the leading ride-hailing service in the Philippines but Go-Jek has not given up on its plans of operating in the Southeast Asian country. The company appealed LTFRB's decision and was able to acquire fintech startup Coins.ph.
Experts commented that Go-Jek's Coins.ph acquisition could open more opportunities for the firm to grow its GET services in the Philippines.
The Indonesian firm's founder and executive Nadiem Makarim is optimistic about plans of entering the Filipino market. He told Reuters that while he cannot provide a sure start date for its launch in the Philippines, "knowing Go-Jek, it's usually pretty fast."
Makarim also believes that the company's Coins.ph acquisition will help build Go-Jek's presence in the region. It has yet to be revealed how the Philippines' transport regulator will decide on the appeal but optimism over GET's potential arrival in the country and other Southeast Asian regions is growing among analysts and ride-hailing experts.
