The Welfare Needs of Informal Workers in the Platform Economy: A Case Study of Motorcycle Delivery Drivers in Thanyaburi District The Welfare Needs of Informal Workers in the Platform Economy: A Case Study of Motorcycle Delivery Drivers in Thanyaburi District

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the welfare needs of informal workers who are motorcycle riders using application platforms in Thanyaburi District, and 2) to compare personal factors with the appropriate welfare needs of informal workers who are motorcycle riders using application platforms in Thanyaburi District. This study employed a quantitative research method. Since the population could not be precisely determined, the sample size was calculated using W.G. Cochran’s formula (1953). The sample consisted of 400 informal workers who are motorcycle riders using application platforms in Thanyaburi District, with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The research instrument was a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.924. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (One Way ANOVA) with LSD post hoc comparison.

          The results revealed that: 1) the overall level of welfare needs was high. The highest mean score was in the aspect of stability ( =4.70, S.D.=0.222), followed by the economic aspect ( =4.68, S.D.=0.240), health and hygiene ( =4.34, S.D.=0.369), safety ( =4.34, S.D.=0.266), and education ( =4.17, S.D.=0.402), respectively. 2) When comparing welfare needs based on personal factors, significant differences were found in several aspects, including gender, age, marital status, number of family members, income, housing characteristics, and education level. Each group exhibited different welfare priorities. For example, female respondents placed greater importance on economic aspects than males, while males emphasized health and hygiene more than females. The findings reflect the necessity of formulating welfare policies that address specific group needs to enhance the quality of life and work stability of informal workers.