Phuket taxis: Drivers demand action against illegal private car services

Over 100 public transport operators, including metered taxi drivers, green plate taxis, and passenger van drivers, assembled at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday to formally complain. They are demanding that the Phuket provincial government take more robust action against illegal private car services operating through taxi apps on the island.

The formal complaint was received by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan at the provincial Ombudsman’s Office, with a delegation of taxi driver representatives led by Manatsanan Na Thalang. The primary grievance underscored was the operation of personal cars as taxis, in violation of the Land Transport Act (1979), as articulated by Manatsanan. She noted that legal taxi operators are suffering due to these illicit activities and called for the complaint to be brought to the attention of the Phuket Governor so that he could instruct the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) to act.

Representing the PLTO at the meeting was Kornphithak Asanasuwan, who defended the actions of the PLTO against illegal taxi operators.

“Every issue regarding taxi drivers that has been brought up has been met and resolved.”

Kornphithak added that the Department of Land Transport has been informed about registration issues and the high number of cars being used as taxis in Phuket.

As of August 31, PLTO official statistics revealed that there were 4,300 green plate taxis, 6,800 ‘non-regular buses, 600 metered taxis, 514 tuk tuks, and 1,100 private vehicles licensed to provide taxi services through apps. However, Kornphithak admitted that there have been instances of people using fake stickers to appear as legal ‘taxi app’ vehicles.

Kornphithak revealed the provincial transportation office has received over 1,000 complaints about Phuket taxis in the last fiscal year (September 30 last year to October 1 this year), resulting in a 2,000 baht fine and a 90-day suspension of the driver’s license in each case.

“Every case in Phuket province will be like this, and proceed according to every law. This is for the benefit of the people of Phuket Province and is fair to all parties.”

In a separate meeting at the PLTO offices, taxi drivers were warned about acceptable behaviour ahead of the upcoming tourism high season.

Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Jirasak Siemsak said public transport vehicles must be alcohol-free and weapons-free.

“This is to build confidence in tourism.”

Jirasak further urged strict supervision over public transport operators to ensure their behaviour is polite when interacting with passengers.

Tourist influx

Ratchadaphon Oin of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office noted that Phuket is expected to host more than 10 million tourists this year, similar to pre-pandemic levels.

To prepare, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has assembled a guide on dos and don’ts when travelling in Phuket. Ratchadaphon said the guide can be accessed via a QR Code, which they aim to share with bus operators and tourism operators.

“Publicise it for tourists to know so that tourists can follow it and travel happily in Phuket province.”

PLTO Chief Adcha Buachan reassured that the PLTO would strictly monitor public transport vehicles and drivers, ensuring proper registration.

According to the official report, the transport drivers present were ready to comply with the guidelines specified by government agencies reported Phuket News.

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