Grab, a ride-hailing service, has gained exclusive rights to operate at Phuket and Chiang Mai Airports, both managed by Airports of Thailand. This arrangement limits other similar services, like Bolt, from accessing the airport terminals to pick up or drop off passengers.

 

Even though ride-hailing services are legal in Thailand, Grab's newfound privileges come with a catch. The cost of this agreement is being passed down to the customers. In Phuket, the fares of Grab from the new taxi booth at the front of the domestic terminal are equivalent to those of traditional taxis. These so-called 'fixed prices' are deemed to be approximately 2 – 3 times higher than regular fares in city areas like Bangkok.

 

On numerous occasions, the regional government in Phuket has emphasized that taxis should use their meters. However, most of the taxi services from the airport tend to charge a set fee, with little enforcement of rules by regional authorities.

 

Previously, ride-hailing services to and from Phuket Airport were roughly half the price of traditional taxis. However, they could only pick up and drop off passengers outside the airport grounds. Now, after this deal, Grab's charges to and from the Phuket airport are almost as much as traditional taxis.

 

The same scenario is observed in Chiang Mai and Suvarnabhumi, though it's less problematic in Suvarnabhumi due to more reasonable taxi fares. Chiang Mai Airport officials have defended their decision to grant Grab exclusive ride-hailing privileges at the passenger terminal.

 

The airport's general manager, Mr. Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, explained that only vehicles that use the Grab application are allowed to pick up passengers from the airport. That's in order to maintain control over service quality and passenger safety.

 

This news erupted after a Bolt driver voiced his complaint about being banned from the airport to pick up passengers who booked rides through the Bolt app. He was told that though Bolt isn't illegal, it isn't approved by Airports of Thailand to operate at the airport.

 

Grab's deals with the airport officials in Phuket and Chiang Mai signify the continuing dominance of taxi services at the airports.

 

Last November, Grab Thailand's Country Head, Worachat Luxkanalode, said that the new Grab booths are about helping their customers. However, he didn't mention that the fares would be aligned with local taxi fixed rates to secure their access to the airport grounds.

 

In conclusion, the deals with Airports of Thailand have increased the power and strength of local taxi operators in Phuket and Chiang Mai, with negligible benefits for travelers.

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing

 

-- 2024-05-21

 

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Who approved this?

Please monitor if these people will be suddenly much richer than previously.

 

16 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Who approved this?

Please monitor if these people will be suddenly much richer than previously.

 

ok I'll keep an eye out

For sure an envelope has changed hands!

A few words spring to mind; Cartel, Mafia, Stitch up, Corruption. For Phuket, financially, it makes sense to rent a car rather than rely upon taxis to get around the island. Chiang Mai is better once out of the airport as Grab/Bolt widely available. Bear in mind that almost every driver on Grab is also registered with Bolt. In Bangkok, many meter taxis are also on Grab and Bolt too. 

 

  

AoT is a private company, and can award contracts to who ever they please.  Control the 10 international airport in Thailand.

 

Finally some competition from taxis allowed.   It's a good thing people.

There's a dedicated Grab Meeting Point being constructed at Suvarnabhumi as well - scheduled to open next month. Down at street level in front of the main terminal building.

Wouldn't be surprised if Grab has an added service fee for airport runs, though probably still better than any flat fees the taxis would charge, that they aren't suppose to.

 

Contract probably cost them a few baht  ... and there's no free lunch

Edited May 22, 20242 yr by KhunLA

I haven't used transport from Chiang Mai for several years. But I remember a taxi from airport to city centre was 150B. I used to live close to the airport and used to pay over 200B and I remember one time 400B. The other day first time in nearly 5 years used transport from CM airport. When I arrived I used the Grab app. Received a message from driver to goto grab pickup point. Surprised to see a big sign and tent with Grab logo. Cost to goto my house that had perviously cost more than 200 and unto 400?......... 141B.

I'm currently at Phuket airport and just checked the transportation costs to Patong. An airport-fixed fare taxi is 800 baht. Using the Grab app costs 847 baht. If I opt for Bolt, which requires a walk to the street as it can't pick up inside the airport, it’s 514 baht.

Bus ... ฿100

thailand loves NO COMPETITION and monopolies

 

same price as taxi maffia ? so why bother with that junk