Phuket Airport “black taxis’ given ultimatum

PHUKET: Phuket International Airport Director Prathuang Sornkham and Wantha Phummararossukontha, Assistant Director of Phuket Provincial Transport Office (PPTO), have warned illegal taxi drivers to obtain the correct license plate or face stiff fines.

Mr Wantha said action was being taken as many passengers had complained of overcharging by “black plate” taxi drivers, and the concerns he had received from legitimate taxi drivers at the airport.

“To protect passengers, we will be conducting checks for illegal taxis. For the first two weeks offenders will receive a warning,” he said.

“After two weeks, anyone operating a taxi without the correct license will be fined 2,000 baht,” he added.

Mr Prathuang added that the airport will put up signs to warn potential violators of the penalties they face if caught and inform the public about the steps they were taking to stamp out black taxi operations.

— Warisa Temram