Kirati Kitmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand (AoT), confirmed the policy shift directly with the Phuket Info Center, the centre explained in a post on its Facebook page.
However, the approval “comes with specific regulations and designated zones”, Phuket info Center reported.
Exactly what stipulations will be in place were not explained.
Of note, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) as recently as 12 days ago (Aug 16) shared a public notice confirming that Maxim and inDriver apps were still not yet approved by the Department of Land Transport.
The PLTO also issued a notice stipulating what was required for app taxis to legally operate in Thailand.
The policy shift by AOT will also mark an end to an intensive campaign carried out by the PLTO in arresting app taxi drivers that were deemed “illegal” at the airport. The campaign, with support from local police, began in February and continued to at least June. Since then the PLTO has fallen silent about its campaign to crack down on illegal taxi drivers.
Regardless, despite the absence of exact details and official passenger acceptance guidelines, the announcement by AoT President Mr Kirati as shared by the Phuket Info Center has ignited comments among both tourists and taxi drivers stationed at the airport.
Monchai Tanode, General Manager of Phuket International Airport under the Phuket branch of Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), late last month confirmed in a statement that Phuket airport was to have an ‘all taxi area’.
However, the all-taxi area was not expected to become a reality until 2024, Mr Monchai said.
Of note, the statement was not publicly posted by AoT Phuket, Instead, the statement was shared by Phuket MP Somchart Techathavorncharoen, the successful Move Forward Party candidate for Phuket District 1.
Just last week, MP Somchart republished the revised fare structure for electronically-operated taxis, particularly those using apps. This was published in the Government Gazette, aiming to reassure individuals about using the increasingly favoured mode of taxi service.
The Ministry of Transport’s proclamation introduced updated passenger rates and additional service charges, demonstrating a deliberate step toward maximising the sharing economy and broadening choices for consumers.
On one hand, the move could facilitate tourists’ journeys from Phuket airport to various tourist destinations on the island.
Conversely, airport taxi drivers are contemplating the appropriate approach to queue management and ensuring the prevention of clashes between regular taxis and app-based hired vehicles.
Consequently, this situation poses a challenge for AOT to tackle, in conjunction with the pressing necessity to address runway deterioration concerns that caused numerous aircraft to delay landing last week.