Over the past 5 months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has performed an operation targeting individuals concerned in illegal taxi practices. Their latest crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two further drivers.
Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, additionally referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of their operation on Thursday (June 22). This concerned the institution of a checkpoint from three.30pm to six.30pm in entrance of the Phuket Air Traffic Control Centre on the main street leading to the airport’s entrance. Officers from the Phuket Tourist Police and Sakhu Police have been additionally present to render support.
In a report launched by PLTO, it was stated that the officials’ major focus was the probe into illicit usage of personal automobiles for the pickup of passengers, primarily functioning as taxis. This, in addition to other potential infractions of provincial taxi regulations, have been explored.
Following the inspection, it was found that two private automobiles, distinguishable by their white and black license plates, were utilised for passenger pickups. These two circumstances were subsequently referred to the PLTO for the imposition of fines and consideration of suspending licenses for the offenders, by the law,” the PLTO reported.
This enforcement action trails a taxi-related inspection conducted by Maj. Gen. Krit Warit, Commander of Tourist Police Region three, on Tuesday (June 20). The inspection led to the fining of one of the two airport limousine cooperatives, which needed to pay round one hundred eighty,000 baht (US$5,400) for drivers visiting tour outlets before delivering passengers to their destinations. Efficient was seen as offering a service that lacked honesty and comfort.
The cooperative in query was revealed as the Phuket Airport Limousine and Business Service Co-Operative Ltd. There were no stories concerning the second cooperative generally known as Phuket Maikhao Sakhu Co Ltd, which shares the unique rights to serve tourists at Phuket International Airport. Images from the inspection showed Tourist Police officers scrutinising kiosks utilized by both cooperatives.
Yet, despite these steps taken by PLTO and supporting officers, the struggle against illegitimate taxi operations continues. Remaining undeterred, the authorities pledge to additional their efforts in clamping down on these illegal activities, echoing their commitment to offering a good and legal taxi service for the inhabitants and guests of Phuket..