Details of the move were revealed at a meeting chaired by Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuthirak on Friday (February 13).
President of the Phuket Tuk-Tuk Union, Darun Suksai said, “These tuk-tuk drivers have not registered with any company or the union. I have gathered a list of them and wish to put them in the system.
“I have also ordered GPS for these tuk-tuks so they can reach the service standard.”
However, V/Gov Somkiet offered another idea.
“In 2002, there was a mob of illegal tuk-tuk drivers who gathered at the Provincial Hall. At that time we legalised around 300 more operators. There was a promise made that no more tuk-tuks would be added in the future.
“Authorities have to follow the law not to legalise more illegal tuk-tuks,” said V/Gov Somkiet.
Meanwhile, Teerayut Prasertpol, Chief the Provincial Land Transport Office (PLTO) made a suggestion about the the additional tuk-tuks saying that the authorities will check the current 1,300 registered tuk-tuks to see how many of them are not really working.
"I'm sure that there are some of them that are registered but not working. We will replace these with the 129 new operators.
“However, I will have to negotiate with them and the three companies (who hold the driving permits and with whom the operators are registered with).
"In our next meeting, we will bring the three companies and the union to discuss this together to find a final solution," he said.