PHUKET, THAILAND – New ban signs at Phuket International Airport targeted driver soliciting in restricted zones to protect passengers and reduce pickup chaos.
Ban signs as part of a wider safety strategy
Airport authorities said the measure was part of a broader program designed to ensure safety, order and fair access for licensed providers. The core aim was to prevent passengers from being pushed into unofficial and uncontrolled transport offers.
Officials stressed that the new signs were intended to clarify rules on the ground and support existing regulations. They framed the move as protecting both travelers and compliant, authorized operators.
Why officials moved against direct soliciting
According to officials, the signs were meant to stop unauthorized drivers from appearing in areas that were closed to the gathering and direct approach of travelers. The airport reported that this type of soliciting regularly led to confusion and complaints, especially when the providers were not registered with Phuket International Airport.
Authorities indicated that clearly marked no‑go zones should reduce conflicts at the curbside. They argued that steering passengers toward regulated services helped keep transport flows predictable and transparent.
The problem with complaints when no one is registered
Without proper registration, the airport said it could not reliably trace or resolve complaints from passengers. This also diluted accountability, as unclear responsibilities made it harder to quickly settle disputes.
Officials linked registration to clearer liability and more effective enforcement of service standards. They suggested that a traceable system was essential for travelers who felt misled or overcharged.
Approved transport options still available to travelers
The airport pointed out that several approved forms of transport remained available to passengers. These included limousines, metered taxis, public bus routes, rental cars and app‑based services such as Grab.
The range of options was intended to offer flexibility while ensuring that transfers ran through structures that could be monitored and controlled. Authorities emphasized that all these services operated under agreed rules and oversight.
Strict conditions for drivers and vehicles on airport grounds
Anyone wishing to pick up passengers at the airport had to meet strict requirements, according to the authorities. These included police background checks, registration of vehicles and operators, and binding service agreements.
In the event of violations, penalties were threatened to increase pressure on drivers and companies to comply with the rules and reliably protect passengers. The airport framed these sanctions as a key tool to maintain order on the forecourt.
Bolt and inDriver await a place in the system
Ride‑hailing providers Bolt and inDriver had already received licenses from the Department of Land Transport and had now applied for permission to operate inside the airport as well. Phuket International Airport was examining which service points would be suitable for these platforms so that operations ran in an orderly manner and travelers ultimately benefited.
Officials indicated that any integration of new platforms would need to fit into the existing system. They signaled that designated pickup areas and clear procedures would be essential if additional services were approved.