Taxi cooperatives dispute: Phuket vice governor urges calm

Tensions have been simmering amongst taxi cooperatives in Phuket, as a recent meeting saw the island’s vice governor pleading with drivers to keep their emotions in check when dealing with mobile app taxi drivers.

Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan’s plea comes in light of a series of confrontations and issues that have been escalating on the island’s roads.

The gathering took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall and was convened to deliberate on a catalogue of grievances that local green plate taxi drivers had submitted to the provincial authorities last month. The list, whether valid or not, was of considerable concern to the taxi cooperatives and warranted the attention of the provincial government.

Amongst those present at the meeting were members of the Phuket Provincial Land Transport Committee and representatives from the taxi cooperatives who are attempting to exert control across the island.

To resolve the issues, the taxi groups proposed a number of solutions to the government. However, the response from the government was a call for cooperation from the operators, asking them to aid by reporting information about vehicles involved in offences.

The meeting highlighted the need for restraint amongst taxi operators, emphasising that emotions must be controlled. The vice governor was clear in his directive that there should be no clashes or disputes, as these tarnish the image of Phuket Province and interfere with law enforcement.

Amnuay requested the taxi operators to report offenders using the Traffy Fondue application, a tool that has access to 120 agencies within Phuket province. The application serves as an information hub, accepting reports from citizens and acting as a problem-solving tool for various issues, reported Phuket News.

This meeting underscores the ongoing tension between traditional taxi services and newer, app-based services on the island of Phuket. It remains to be seen how the local government will navigate this complex issue, and whether the taxi cooperatives will heed the Vice Governor’s plea for emotional control and cooperation.