PHUKET —
A large group of metered taxi operators staged a peaceful protest in Phuket this morning, calling for authorities to take urgent and decisive action against illegal transport providers operating across the island.
Gathering at Saphan Hin around 8:30 a.m. on June 30, the Phuket Metered Taxi Association voiced frustration over the ongoing presence of unregistered “black plate” vehicles, out-of-province cars, and unauthorized ride-hailing operators serving tourists. The group claimed that these unlawful services are cutting into their income and damaging Phuket’s reputation as a safe and well-regulated tourism destination.
At 9:00 a.m., a convoy of taxis departed the meeting point and began submitting formal complaints to 12 key government offices and police stations, including the Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office and police stations in Mueang Phuket, Kathu, Wichit, Patong, Kamala, Cherng Talay, Thalang, and Sakoo.
The association is urging swift enforcement measures, calling on officers to inspect and remove all unauthorized vehicles from the roads. They also invited fellow drivers with green and yellow license plates—specifically categories 30, 31, and 36—to join their efforts in pressing for a total ban on illegal taxis within app-based platforms.
Protest leaders say that their goal is not just to protect their livelihood, but to reinforce Phuket’s image as a law-abiding, tourist-friendly province where transportation services meet high standards of safety and legality.
