Krabi Governor Passakorn Boonyaluck is ordering a solution to be found after yet another violent incident occurring between taxi drivers fighting for customers at Krabi Airport.
According to the Governor, the incident was caught on viral video and involved taxi drivers arguing and fighting over customers and supposed “territory” at the airport. The Governor emphasised the importance of preventing such incidents as they damage the image of Krabi tourism and give a bad first impression with passengers arriving at the regional airport.
The Krabi Land Transport Office and the Nuea Klong Police are currently investigating the incident and “working to find better solutions” for the future. With the Songkran festival looming, many Thai and foreign tourists will be using the airport, making it a crucial time for preventing further disputes.
The Governor is hoping to avoid any repeat incidents.
Taxi disputes have been on the rise in Thailand, particularly between traditional taxi drivers and app-based businesses. Last September, a dispute between taxi drivers at the Phuket Airport made national news. There’s been plenty of others, involving both domestic and foreign tourists, where traditional and app-based taxi drivers get involved in heated arguments over passengers, often in front of the passenger.
Krabi Airport, like Phuket airport, has its taxis operated by a cabal which sets fees at much higher prices than either taxis in Bangkok or app-based fares. The bullying of competition has been operating for decades at both airports, with apparent support from the airport managements.
