Phuket transport twist: Anytime car caught in green-plate pickle, faces regulatory roadblock

Bright and early yesterday morning, representatives from the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) descended upon Patong. Their mission? To probe into an Anytime car-sharing vehicle found parked in a spot earmarked for green-plate taxis and tourist rental vehicles.

This inspection was initially reported by the Phuket Info Center. It was noted that the PLTO, in conjunction with police and other relevant authorities, were scrutinising rental vehicles occupying public parking spaces. Accompanying the post were photographs capturing officials in the act of inspecting and photographing the aforementioned Anytime car-sharing vehicle, stationed on the road alongside Patong Beach.

While the investigation was ongoing, neither the PLTO nor the Patong Municipality provided any official comment on the matter. This was according to a report from The Phuket News’ Russian-language sister publication, Novosti Phuketa.

Complaints about rental vehicles being parked on sidewalks, roadsides, and public parking spaces are a regular occurrence on the island, as per the report by Novosti Phuketa. However, there has been no prior record of complaints specifically about car sharing in Phuket.

An issue that frequently arises surrounds tuk tuk drivers, who are notorious for monopolising the limited parking spaces available in Patong. Over the years, officials have conducted numerous inspections to regulate parking along the road by Patong Beach, especially in time for the high season. Yet, this year, the topic has not been broached thus far, reported Phuket News.

The Anytime Carsharing Thai service is operated by the Phuket-based company Vend Land Asia Co, located in Moo 7 Srisoonthorn. Established in October 2019, the Department of Business Development (DBD) lists the company as partaking in real estate transactions and vehicle rentals. The director of the company is Russian national, Igor Maleikin.

The investigation into the Anytime car found parked in a spot designated for green-plate taxis and tourist rental vehicles in Patong continues.

In related news, 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. Read more about this story HERE.