Phuket Taxi Mafia Confronts Tourists Over App-Based Ride

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On 1 November, a video circulated on the Facebook page “Phuket Crime” showing two foreign tourists facing harassment from a local motorcycle taxi driver in Patong, Phuket.

 

The video, captured by the app-based taxi’s in-car camera, quickly ignited public outrage online. In the footage, the tourists, legally traveling in an app-registered taxi to Phuket Airport, encounter a local motorcycle taxi driver wearing a blue vest who blocks them from closing the car door and demands they exit the vehicle.

 

The incident occurred on Thaweewong Road in Patong. The driver of the app-based taxi tried explaining that the tourists had booked the ride through an official app.

 

However, the motorcycle driver insisted on checking the tourist’s phone for confirmation before forcefully asking them to leave the taxi, even after verifying the ride.

 

 

Another clip, recorded by the taxi driver, captures an exchange between the female taxi driver and the local motorcycle driver.

 

The latter, appearing agitated, confronts her, saying, “Don’t talk to me disrespectfully.” She responds by explaining that she was merely responding to the app's notification, reported Daily News.

 

The video has since attracted a flood of comments, criticising the behaviour of local "taxi mafias." Many call on Phuket authorities to revoke traditional taxi queues to restore the island's image, especially as digital apps continue to offer tourists a safer and more affordable option. 

 

All pictures courtesy: Daily News TH

 

-- 2024-11-02

 

 

[Denim]

Scumbag.

 

Why people still go to that place beats me.

[ChrisY1]

The Phuket taxi thugs and the Administration go hand in hand...they never want change!