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Phuket Police Arrest 237 in Illegal Taxi Crackdown

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Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

Police in Phuket arrested 237 drivers during a coordinated crackdown on illegal “black-plate” taxis accused of overcharging and exploiting tourists, following island-wide checkpoints set up during the peak high season. The operation, conducted on 26 December 2025, aimed to immediately curb unlawful transport services and protect visitors at key entry points and tourist zones.

 

Tourist Police worked jointly with Phuket Provincial Police to establish nine checkpoints across the island, covering airports, beaches, and major districts. Officers targeted unlicensed public vehicles and other transport-related offences that have drawn repeated complaints from visitors. Authorities said the arrests were intended to restore fairness and confidence in local transport services.

 

The operation followed direct orders from Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, who instructed officers nationwide to intensify enforcement against illegal public transport. Police said such vehicles frequently charge excessive fares, damaging Thailand’s tourism image, particularly during the high season. Phuket was identified as a priority area due to sustained tourist numbers.

 

According to Pol Col Naraphon Wattanakornthavee, Superintendent of Sub-Division 2, Tourist Police Division 3 (Phuket–Phang Nga), the operation was planned jointly with local police leadership. Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, along with senior Tourist Police officers, coordinated measures to ensure consistent enforcement. The focus was on deterrence as well as prosecution.

 

Checkpoints were set up at Phuket International Airport in Sakhu, Cherng Talay, Kamala, Patong, Kathu, Karon, Chalong, Wichit, and Phuket City police jurisdictions. These locations were chosen for their proximity to major tourist routes and attractions. Officers stopped and inspected vehicles throughout the operation.

 

Police reported that 86 drivers were charged specifically with using vehicles not licensed for public transport, commonly referred to as black-plate vehicles. A further 151 drivers were charged with other related offences. All suspects were processed according to legal procedures.

 

Tourist Police and Phuket Provincial Police said the results demonstrate firm enforcement during the year-end and New Year travel period. Authorities stressed that illegal transport remains a significant issue affecting visitor safety and costs. They reaffirmed a commitment to sustained operations.

 

Thaitabloid reported that police confirmed that similar inspections will continue beyond the holiday period. The aim is to maintain safety standards, ensure fair pricing, and strengthen tourist confidence in Phuket’s transport system.

 

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Key Takeaways

 

• Police arrested 237 drivers across Phuket on 26 December 2025 during a joint enforcement operation.

• The crackdown targeted illegal black-plate taxis and other transport offences at nine checkpoints.

• Authorities said enforcement will continue through the high season to protect tourists.

 

Related stories

 

Phuket-cracks-down-on-dodgy-taxis-to-protect-tourism

 

Phuket-taxi-tension-leads-to-police-intervention

 

 

image.png Adapted by Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2025-12-28


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5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Police reported that 86 drivers were charged specifically with using vehicles not licensed for public transport, commonly referred to as black-plate vehicles.

Are they referring to vehicles used by Bolt/Grab etc?

If so, and being cynical, was this a win for the taxi mafia in Phuket or are there really that many issues with the ride hailing apps there?

32 minutes ago, topt said:

Are they referring to vehicles used by Bolt/Grab etc?

If so, and being cynical, was this a win for the taxi mafia in Phuket or are there really that many issues with the ride hailing apps there?

I have never taken a grab that was legal, they've always been blackplated.

But it was a crackdown, today back to business as usual again.

 

Phuket can be a rip-off and it starts with the airport taxis. I suspect that this was a crackdown on Grab/Bolt etc. Honestly, I prefer using Grab and Bolt regular cars as the drivers are nicer and better and cars more modern than a ropey old taxi. Additionally, with the apps, you get the driver's name and picture in advance and a record online - that is never something you'll get with the on street taxi mafia. Pricing; Phuket vs Bangkok, the differences are huge and should be addressed. Bangkok taxis probably too cheap and Phuket way too expensive. Hiring a car for your stay in Phuket is better value and what I have done.

   

  • 2 weeks later...
On 12/28/2025 at 9:08 AM, soi3eddie said:

Phuket can be a rip-off and it starts with the airport taxis.

So true.

I happily get around Pattaya for 10 baht a journey on a baht bus. Flat fee. No arguments. So stand over tactics. No beatings. No police involvement. Huge difference to the Phuket transport mafia rip off.

All newbie friends wishing to travel to Thailand, I recommend Pattaya, mainly due to the transport mafia in Phuket.

The highlight of covid for me was thinking about Phuket tuktuk drivers not having any customers to rip off. 😂

On 12/28/2025 at 2:55 AM, stevenl said:

I have never taken a grab that was legal, they've always been blackplated.

But it was a crackdown, today back to business as usual again.

Why only a crackdown in Phuket? Why not nation wide? I think the taxi mafia ordered the crackdown.

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Why only a crackdown in Phuket? Why not nation wide? I think the taxi mafia ordered the crackdown.

Why ask me?

17 hours ago, stevenl said:

Why ask me?

i asked questions, but it was more of a sarcastic statement.

Taxis and tuktuks in Phuket. The gift that just keeps giving. 🙂

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