Uber tests cash option for Bangkok

Thailand has become the latest country where Uber taxi drivers can take cash from a passenger instead of a credit card.

Uber tested its cash payment scheme in Bangkok from Wednesday as an alternative to the credit card option.

Passengers do not have to tell the firm before the ride about their cash option. They can select the cash payment option while on a trip.

"Bangkok, as a global business, cultural and tourist hub with a sophisticated rider and driver base is the right environment to conduct this cash experiment," it said.

Thailand follows nine other countries where cash is a choice for its passengers, Uber spokesman Karun Arya said. The other countries are India, Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Peru, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The test run is being held only in Bangkok and does not cover all customers. But Uber said it planned to expand the option for more passengers in the future.

Uber was launched in Thailand in 2014. Bangkok is regarded as one of the three fastest-growing cities in Southeast Asia for Uber.