The issue was discussed at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last week, chaired by Vice Phuket Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Phatsakorn Sonthikun, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) Chief Adcha Buachan and representatives from relevant agencies.
Discussions centred on complaints from public taxi operators, particularly calls for unregistered vehicles to be removed from ride-hailing applications to address disparities between licensed and illegal services.
Mr Adcha said authorities were drafting clearer guidelines for application operators, including stricter verification of vehicles and drivers to ensure compliance with transport laws.
He added that a proposal was under consideration to link ride-hailing platforms directly with Department of Land Transport vehicle registration and driver’s licence databases, aimed at closing loopholes that allow forged or improper documents to be used.
Alongside digital checks, physical inspections would continue, with legal action taken against any violations detected, he said.
Pol Col Phatsakorn said police enforcement against illegal taxi operators was ongoing, while acknowledging the need to adapt regulatory approaches as transport services evolve with new technology.
He noted that from around March, the “Phuket Eyes” CCTV system would be increasingly used to support monitoring and enforcement operations.
Officials also acknowledged Phuket’s structural challenges, including limited road space and a high concentration of taxis, which complicate regulation and enforcement efforts.
The meeting agreed that any solution must balance operator livelihoods, public convenience and Phuket’s tourism image, with technology seen as a key tool in improving oversight. Measures under discussion include requiring vehicles to pass inspections by relevant agencies before being allowed onto ride-hailing platforms.
Officials concluded that resolving the issue would require a phased approach within a clear legal framework, supported by consultations with all stakeholders to reduce conflict and improve fairness in Phuket’s public transport system.