At a meeting on Friday (Nov 7), Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra chaired discussions with affected operators and key agencies, including Vice Governor Samawit Suphanpai, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Phasakon Sonthikul and Phuket Provincial Transport Office (PLTO) Chief Adcha Buachan.
Governor Saransak emphasised that resolving the issue required listening directly to operators, particularly over problems with public driver’s licences and the use of fake ID cards to register with ride-hailing apps, which has led to false data being entered into official systems.
Relevant agencies have been instructed to expedite data collection for legal action, with the province set to explain the outcome publicly once investigations are concluded, said an official report of the meeting.
Pol Col Phasakon reported that CCTV under the ‘Phuket Eyes’ project continues to play a key role in tracking offenders by recording routes and behavioural patterns. Local businesses told officials they were willing to connect to the system if adequate internet support is provided.
PLTO Chief Mr Adcha apparently noted that since Oct 2, more than 100 checkpoints had been set up across the island. Several vehicles using unauthorised mobile apps have already been seized, he confirmed, with revealing any specifics, including how many illegal taxi drivers were caught.
The senior officials present reportedly agreed to further integrate operations between agencies, with immediate focus on Phuket International Airport and the Kamala area.
“The province is ready to address the issue comprehensively, with a focus on fairness, tourist safety, and Phuket’s image as a world-class tourist destination,” Governor Saransak said, noted the official report.
Although the PLTO reported conducting a ‘blitz’ of checks on illegal taxis at Phuket Airport throughout last week, the agency did not disclose whether any drivers were apprehended.
Meanwhile, Patong Police today reported arresting a Thai man, whom they named only as ‘Mr Chatchai’, near the football field on Thaweewong Rd at 11pm last night (Nov 9) for operating an illegal taxi. Officers later arrested three more Thai nationals between 1:30am and 3:30am this morning on similar charges.