A joint inspection was carried out from 11am to 1pm yesterday (Jan 15) under the direction of Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, as officials intensified enforcement against the illegal use of private vehicles for passenger transport.
The operation was led by the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Administration, Thalang District Administration, Sakhu Police, and the Phuket Airport Authority. Inspection teams focused on violations of the Motor Vehicle Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and the Transport Act B.E. 2522 (1979), particularly the use of private vehicles as unregistered taxis.
According to a report submitted to the Governor by PLTO Chief Adcha Buachan, officials recorded 16 violations of the Motor Vehicle Act and one violation of the Transport Act during the operation yesterday (Jan 15). In addition, four vehicles were found to be in breach of Section 21, which prohibits the use of vehicles in a manner that does not match their registered type.
Beyond the checkpoint inspections, integrated enforcement across Phuket Province identified a total of 30 vehicles operating in violation of Section 21. The breakdown by police jurisdiction showed Patong accounting for the highest number of cases, with 17 vehicles detected.
Further violations were recorded in Wichit (three vehicles), Sakhu (four), Chalong (two), Kamala (two), and single cases under the jurisdictions of Kathu and Thalang police stations.
Officials confirmed that enforcement efforts remain focused on key transport hubs and tourist areas, including Phuket International Airport and popular destinations where illegal taxis are commonly reported to solicit passengers or operate through mobile applications without authorisation.
Patong Police separately reported a surge in arrests linked to the ongoing campaign. On Wednesday (Jan 14) alone, officers detained 15 illegal taxis operating in the area. That figure was followed by a further seven vehicles taken off the road yesterday (Jan 15), underscoring Patong’s position as a hotspot for illegal transport activity.
The latest figures come just days after authorities across Phuket netted 93 illegal taxis in a single day on Tuesday (Jan 13), marking the formal launch of the current province-wide crackdown. That operation, led by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong alongside PPTO officials and police, established checkpoints across all three districts, with particular emphasis on tourist zones, ports and airport access routes.
Most offences identified during the campaign relate to Section 21 of the Land Transport Act, which bans the use of private vehicles for public transport purposes without proper registration, licensing and insurance.
Provincial officials have stressed that the enforcement drive is not limited to roadside checks. Integrated teams are also carrying out targeted inspections of vehicles suspected of operating illegally, including those linked to ride-hailing applications but lacking the required legal status.
Officials have warned that violators will face decisive action. The penalty for violations is a 90-day suspension of the license and a fine of B2,000. Repeat offenses result in a 180-day suspension, and repeated violations may lead to license revocation.
The crackdown follows long-running complaints from registered taxi operators and concerns from authorities over passenger safety, unfair competition and damage to Phuket’s tourism image.
Governor Nirat has previously stated that the campaign will be sustained and systematic, rather than a short-term sweep, with closer coordination between law enforcement agencies and transport regulators.
Officials reiterated that drivers found in violation face legal action under existing transport laws, while vehicles may be fined, seized or barred from operating, depending on the offence.
“The inspections will continue across the province,” a PPTO official said, adding that authorities aim to ensure that only legally compliant vehicles and qualified drivers are permitted to provide passenger services in Phuket.