Fare fight: Bang Lamung bikers protest against ride-hailing rivals
Bang Lamung’s motorcycle taxi drivers are revving up their engines in protest, calling on government departments to clamp down on ride-hailing services they say are taking the wind out of their financial sails.
On Tuesday, February 4, representatives from the Public Motorcycle Taxi Association for Tourism met with district chief Patcharapatch Sritanyanont, demanding swift action to curb these so-called interlopers.
Leading the charge, association president Supakorn Sanamthong laid bare the plight of legally registered drivers, insisting their livelihoods are being punished by unregistered vehicles using ride-hailing apps.
Supakorn was quick to point out these operators often dodge the necessary registration and public transportation licences, sparking conflicts that sometimes boil over into fisticuffs.
Clearly exasperated, Supakorn lamented the lack of action so far, claiming the situation hits boiling point during Pattaya’s major festivals. With rogue operators allegedly poaching passengers, legal drivers are finding their wallets considerably lighter.
The association isn’t just moaning, they’ve mapped out a four-pronged action plan.
They’re clamouring for expedited investigations into illegal services, tougher penalties for unauthorised vehicles, immediate opening of official vehicle registration in Bang Lamung, and robust legal protection for registered drivers, particularly during big events.
Responding to the uproar, district chief Patcharapatch acknowledged a grim reality: only 40-50% of regular motorcycle taxis in Pattaya, Bang Lamung, and Nongprue are properly registered. However, he dangled a solution, outlining plans to legitimately integrate app-based taxis into the system, complete with criminal background checks and full licencing.
It remains to be seen whether these measures will settle the squabble or whether Bang Lamung’s bikers will continue their high-octane protest for justice.
Late last year, tensions boiled over in Phuket as local green plate taxi drivers, reliant on app-based bookings to stay afloat, face hefty 2,000-baht fines for doing just that.
Drivers rallied at Saphan Hin’s central stage on Tuesday, November 5, calling on officials to overhaul outdated regulations that penalise them for using ride-hailing apps – a vital income stream since the pandemic decimated traditional tourism.
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