Patong Police Chief Pol Col Chalermchai Hirasawat ordered the meeting after being informed of the video, Patong Police reported.
The two motorbike taxi drivers seen in the video ‒ identified by police as ‘Mr Chanachai’, who was wearing shorts, and ‘Mr Jirawich’, wearing a red hat ‒ were specifically called in to discuss the matter.
Police questioned them about the situation, emphasising that such behaviour reflects poorly on the image of motorcycle taxi drivers in Patong.
The drivers were warned not to repeat the incident, and a record of the incident was created. Both drivers underwent drug tests, which returned negative results.
The two men were also tested for drugs. The results were negative.
During the meeting, led by senior Patong Police officers and Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, police guided the drivers on the legal standards and appropriate conduct expected in their profession to foster a positive image and ensure tourists feel confident using their services.
The meeting aimed to establish guidelines for organising public motorcycle taxi queues in Soi Bangla in line with legal requirements.
Officers urged people to use the ‘Pineapple Eyes’ LINE group to monitor and report drivers without licences.
The Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) is also to provide special training and guidance on how to be ‘good hosts’.
The motorbike taxi drivers were also encouraged to support officials in promoting a positive image of Phuket as a tourist destination.
The meeting last night followed a slew of violent incidents involving Patong motorbike taxi drivers.
See also:
Patong motorbike taxi drivers questioned over vicious assault on rival
Kuwaiti tourist beaten in Patong
Motorbike taxi driver assaults tourists in Patong
Kuwaiti tourist kicked to the ground by Patong motorbike taxi drivers