Phuket officials take hardline on dangerous taxi drivers

PHUKET: The Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) vowed yesterday to take tougher lines against taxi, minivan and tuk-tuk drivers breaking the law.

“These drivers usually have more lives in their hands than other motorists in Phuket and they have a responsibility to ensure that their passengers safely reach their destinations. However, they have caused many accidents recently. Such issues can damage the reputation of the island, which we can not allow,” said Jaturong Kaewkasi, the chief policy adviser for the PLTO.

“The issue of driving under the influence is receiving a lot of attention right now. However, we will also be tackling other illegal activities, such as failing to take passengers to their desired locations, denying passengers rides, over charging and intimidation.”

In addition to any criminal charges taken out against arrested perpetrators, the PLTO will levy a fine of 1,000 baht and suspend the driver’s licence for 15 days. That penalty will be increased to 30 days and 60 days for the second and third infractions respectively.

“Every traffic law infraction case for these drivers will be submitted to the PLTO so that we can build full files on those putting their passengers and fellow motorists in danger,” said Mr Jaturong.

A drunk minivan driver killed a Phuket police officer after jumping the curb and running him over at a u-turn near Phuket International Airport last month (story here).

— Kongleaphy Keam