Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines

[webfact]

 

Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers.

 

Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, also referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of their operation on Thursday (June 22). This involved the establishment of a checkpoint from 3.30pm to 6.30pm in front of the Phuket Air Traffic Control Centre on the main road leading to the airport’s entrance. Officers from the Phuket Tourist Police and Sakhu Police were also present to render support.

 

In a report released by PLTO, it was stated that the officials’ primary focus was the probe into illicit usage of private cars for the pickup of passengers, essentially functioning as taxis. This, as well as other potential infractions of provincial taxi regulations, were explored.

Following the inspection, it was discovered that two private cars, distinguishable by their white and black license plates, were utilised for passenger pickups. 

 

By Mitch Connor

PHOTO: iStock

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-authorities-clamp-down-on-illegal-taxi-practices-impose-hefty-fines

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26

 

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[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Following the inspection, it was discovered that two private cars, distinguishable by their white and black license plates, were utilised for passenger pickups.

Only two private cars?

Words must have got out to avoid the area.

[khunjeff]

So this operation wasn't aimed at punishing taxis for breaking the law, but at eliminating illegal competition so that the taxis can continue to break the law with impunity. Got it.

[Red Forever]

So there we have it. PLTO are protecting the crooked, rip off Pukhet airport cab drivers. Wonder how many of the "legal" cabs were checked for meter use. 

[ChrisY1]

The headline of this article is false.....it must be, as all taxis in Phuket are illegal, with the support of the local government!

[swm59nj]

Hefty fine.  Must be 500 baht

[mikeymike100]

2 hours ago, khunjeff said:

So this operation wasn't aimed at punishing taxis for breaking the law, but at eliminating illegal competition so that the taxis can continue to break the law with impunity. Got it.

Correct, so the headline "Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines" seems somewhat inaccurate?

[brianthainess]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

two additional drivers.

These Crackdowns make me Crackup, 

[digger70]

Never mind the 2 private cars ,What about the Taxi  drivers and taxi Mafia for all their Illegal shenanigans.

Like for not using the taxi Meter and overcharging costumers Refusing long trips, standover tactics against other Company taxis,Carrying weapons . 

It looks to me they clamping down on the wrong people .

They are scared from the taxi Mob /and/or get paid to do what they do best.

[rudi49jr]

Oh no, another crackdown! But we all know this is just a token gesture. The powers that be on Phuket earn a nice little income (some not so little) from the kickbacks they get from the taxi mafia, so they’re not about to slaughter the goose that lays the golden eggs.