Phuket taxi drivers rally over unregistered competitors “stealing” customers

Taxi drivers in Phuket have gathered at the provincial hall in the Muang district to protest over unregistered competition allegedly “stealing” their customers. According to a Bangkok Post report, over 100 drivers of taxis, minivans, and tuk tuks assembled at around noon yesterday.

The so-called “outsiders’ include some of the new app services, including Grab and Bolt.

The drivers submitted a letter to Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew, which was accepted on his behalf by Vice-Governor Anupao Yodkhwan. The drivers also took the opportunity to voice their complaints about privately registered cars operating as illegal taxis and stealing their customers.

The Bangkok Post reports that in the letter, the drivers alleged that “outsiders” had had a significant impact on the island’s registered taxis, minivans and tuk tuks. The outsiders include private cars from other areas that are hired through mobile apps.

Both Anupao and Adcha Buachan, chief of the Phuket transport office, listened as the drivers aired their grievances, with both officials promising to look into the matter and tackle the problem.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post