Taxi tensions in Phuket: Drivers demand ride-hailing rights

Tensions are boiling over in Phuket as local green plate taxi drivers, reliant on app-based bookings to stay afloat, face hefty 2,000-baht fines for doing just that.

Drivers rallied at Saphan Hin’s central stage last Tuesday, November 5, calling on officials to overhaul outdated regulations that penalise them for using ride-hailing apps – a vital income stream since the pandemic decimated traditional tourism.

“We’re just trying to earn a living,” said Prasert Khemmanuwong, a representative for the drivers, describing the fines as “distressing.”

Phuket’s green plate taxis, typically dedicated to business and tourist transport, embraced ride-hailing apps during Covid-19 to reach scarce customers, a practice that became essential for many drivers. But recent crackdowns have left them in a bind: drivers caught using the apps now face fines, pushing many to gather and demand a temporary halt on fines while new laws are discussed.

“We are calling for legal amendments that will let us work through apps as before, or at least a temporary halt on fines while we await these changes,” Prasert said, stressing the importance of adapting the law to support drivers’ livelihoods.

The Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO), however, has shown little sympathy. Chief Atcha Buachan noted that current regulations prohibit green plate taxis from using ride-hailing apps, advising drivers to re-register under Type 18 for legal app-based work. Despite drivers’ pleas, the PLTO has so far ignored their gathering at Saphan Hin.

According to the latest PLTO update, platforms such as Grab, Hello Phuket, and AirAsia Super App are authorised in Thailand.

As frustrations grow, green plate drivers are appealing to provincial officials to provide a workable, legal pathway for app-based work – or risk further discontent among Phuket’s beleaguered taxi drivers, reported Phuket News.

In related news, efforts are underway in Patong to reorganise the city’s unscrupulous motorcycle taxi services following a recent conflict among drivers over passenger pickups.