PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities on the resort island imposed a sweeping ban on taxis and rental cars not registered locally after a large-scale raid that led to 162 arrests.
Four-day island-wide raid targeted illegal drivers
Police and other authorities carried out a coordinated operation at 11 checkpoints across Phuket, stopping every suspicious vehicle. The checks stretched from Patong to the airport and focused on uncovering unregistered drivers working illegally.
“We will restore order in the transport sector and protect legal operators.”
said Nirat Pongsitthaworn, governor. Over four days, more than 500 vehicles were inspected at the airport alone.
New rules for taxis and ride-hailing apps
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) announced what it described as a historic decision on the island’s transport rules. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Bolt were allowed to operate only with vehicles registered on Phuket. Private cars and motorcycles without a passenger transport licence were completely excluded from offering rides.
Taxis from other provinces, described as “foreign” vehicles, were effectively pushed out of the local market. The apps were required to submit reports to the authorities every month.
Long-running taxi conflict reached a breaking point
The dispute between local drivers and platform-based competitors had simmered for years. Taxi associations complained of ruinous competition from illegal app drivers, and reports of fights and harassment of tourists had become frequent.
The Ministry of Digital Economy intervened and brought in the ETDA regulatory agency. The move resulted in a clear warning to major tech platforms to comply with Thai law or face consequences.
Tourist impact: safer rides but possible shortages
Officials presented the measures as a safety gain for visitors, arguing that passengers would now enter only licensed and regularly checked vehicles. They also signalled that fares could become more transparent under the stricter regime.
In the transition phase, however, the supply of cars was expected to be tighter, especially in remote parts of the island. Prices charged by local taxis were not subject to official caps, raising concerns about higher costs.
Mixed local reaction to the crackdown
Among established taxi drivers, the announcement triggered relief and celebration.
“Finally justice after years of unfair competition,”
said a driver from Patong.
Critics warned that the measures could entrench a monopoly by what they called the local “taxi mafia” and drive fares up. Authorities promised strict oversight to prevent abuse and protect both residents and visitors.
Phuket aims to reset its transport image
Officials portrayed the crackdown as a turning point for the island’s tourism industry. Phuket sought to rebuild its reputation as a safe and well-regulated destination, with the success of the new rules to be judged in the coming months.
The government stressed that the rule of law applied fully to the gig economy as well. The island was positioned as a potential model for other tourism provinces that might adopt similar measures in the future.
Mobility as a struggle for power
The debate around taxis, apps and the interests of the island highlighted how much more than holidays was at stake in Phuket. The clash brought livelihoods, billion-baht markets and regulatory policy directly into conflict.
Residents and observers were left to ask whether the ban truly protected tourists and honest drivers, or merely created new grey areas and loopholes. Questions also remained over whether Thailand should impose uniform national rules for taxi apps, or allow each tourism region to maintain its own special regulations.