Destruction of Patong taxi booths underway

PHUKET: The destruction of 16 taxi booths in Patong is currently underway.

Starting at 3pm this afternoon, Patong Police, officers from the Patong Municipality and volunteers began to tear down taxi booths throughout Patong.

“We are targeting 16 booths. Some we have received complaints about, and some are obstructing traffic,” said Patong Police Chief Investigator Sutthichai Thianpho.

The taxi drivers themselves are helping to dismantle their booths, Lt Col Sutthichai said.

“They understand our reasoning,” Lt Col Sutthichai said.

“We came politely to explain why we are doing it, and to allow them time to move their valuables.”

The move to destroy the booths was issued by Lt Gen Panya Mamen, Commander of the Royal Thai Police Region 8 division, Col Sutthichai said.

— Saran Mitrarat