Transport Khon Kaen Taxi Drivers Gear Up for Bangkok Protest Showdown

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Khon Kaen taxi drivers announced today, May 22, their readiness to back their Bangkok counterparts by converging on Government House. The goal is to prompt serious action against unlicensed "black-plate" taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab, Bolt, and Maxim, which they claim are eating into their customer base and crippling their income.

 

At 1 p.m., frustrated Khon Kaen Airport Taxi Club members, typically stationed at the provincial airport, underscored their intent. Following a recent rally by the Bangkok Taxi Cooperative, which included threats to blockade Suvarnabhumi Airport, these drivers lament the incursion of ride-hailing apps on their livelihood.

 

Mr. Amphon Kotboonma, heading the Khon Kaen Airport Taxi Club, shed light on the persistent struggles against unregulated private cars and “black-plate” taxis.

 

Amid dwindling customer numbers due to limited flight schedules, the 40 registered taxis jostle for passengers alongside six black-plate taxis and over 30 app-supported private cars.

 

Highlighting regulatory burdens, Mr. Kotboonma recounted the multitude of compliance requirements.

 

These include licenses, insurance, engine specifications, periodic vehicle checks, and driver training, contrasting starkly with the relative freedom enjoyed by ride-hailing operators. He stressed the pressing need for governmental intervention to uphold equity and protect legal livelihoods.

 

Adding his voice, Vice President Mr. Thaweechok Sasai decried the inaction of local police and airport officials towards cab-like, unregistered vehicles. Emphasising solidarity, he affirmed support for the Bangkok protest, promising Khon Kaen drivers’ participation should their capital city colleagues call for reinforcements to sustain pressure on the authorities.

 

Khon Kaen drivers’ readiness signals a potential escalation in the ongoing standoff, underlining the urgency for definitive policy measures addressing the growing tension in the taxi sector.

 

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Bangkok Cabbies Call for Grab Service Ban at Suvarnabhumi Airport

https://aseannow.com/topic/1361369-bangkok-cabbies-call-for-grab-service-ban-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-05-23

 

 

[blaze master]

Do not cave to these mobster morons. 

 

Hashtag start the meter. 

[FlorC]

Then trade in your taxi's for a ride-hailing service .

[Barnet1900]

The scum of the country, taxi drivers. For decades they've been controlling the monopoly on ripping off the public. Street fights near enough always involve packs of them stamping on people's heads on the floor.

 

Diddums... they've been undercut because the public have had enough of their scams and cheating. Long may it continue.

[blaze master]

7 hours ago, Barnet1900 said:

The scum of the country, taxi drivers. For decades they've been controlling the monopoly on ripping off the public. Street fights near enough always involve packs of them stamping on people's heads on the floor.

 

Diddums... they've been undercut because the public have had enough of their scams and cheating. Long may it continue.

 

I think a taxi driver gave you a thumbs down. 

[Caldera]

If I was a scammy airport taxi driver, I would hate Grab as well. As a passenger, on the other hand...

[JackGats]

Taxi apps have pick-up places outside airports in many countries these days. Outside Jakarta airport Grab is present in force alongside Gojek. They even have uniformed employees to guide you when calling your first ride. And once you have your credit card inside the app you're good to go without ever having to paw dirty banknotes. It's high time taxis in Thailand got dragged into the 21st century.

[blaze master]

23 minutes ago, JackGats said:

It's high time taxis in Thailand got dragged into the 21st century.

 

Should be easy as their knuckles are already dragging.

[Andytheburiramman]

I constantly read that people are turning to other countries for their holidays and these predators are one of the reasons.  They are a stain on this country and the sooner they are abolished the better