PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities on the resort island reported the seizure of 93 illegal “black plate” taxis in a single day as part of a sweeping enforcement drive.
Island-wide operation targets unlicensed taxis
Under the direction of Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and Land Transport Office chief Atcha Buachan, staggered teams were deployed across Phuket. Police, transport officials and local authorities jointly conducted checkpoints and mobile inspections in the districts of Mueang Phuket, Thalang and Kathu, focusing on the airport, ports and major tourist attractions.
Officials said 93 vehicles were found to be in breach of the law, with most cases involving private cars operating as taxis without any licence, a clear violation of Section 21 of the Land Transport Act. The crackdown signalled an end to years of tolerance and gave law enforcement what authorities described as “measurable teeth.”
Phuket City leads in vehicle seizures
Phuket City Police Station reported the highest number of confiscations, with 25 vehicles taken off the road. In Patong, 12 illegal taxis were intercepted, while nine were stopped in Sakhu and eight in Cherng Talay.
Checks were not limited to fixed roadblocks; officers also moved proactively against suspected drivers who were soliciting passengers at tourist hotspots or operating via unauthorised apps. The coordinated approach was presented as part of a wider push to introduce lasting order to the island’s transport market.
Closed-door talks with Grab on compliance
While roadside inspections were under way, Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn held talks with senior managers from Grab Thailand on how to bring app-based ride-hailing services under tighter control. The discussions centred on limiting the number of vehicles, stricter vetting of drivers and inspection of vehicle standards.
“Any driver or vehicle that is not compliant will be removed from the system immediately.”
said Nirat, explaining that the aim was to eliminate risks for passengers.
Government sets out long-term transport plan
The governor stated that growth in ride-hailing services was inevitable, but had to remain within a legal and safe framework.
“The duty of the government is to regulate these services according to the law – in terms of vehicle numbers, vehicle quality and driver qualifications,”
said Nirat, stressing that fairness for operators who follow the rules was essential.
The new strategy combined tougher on-the-ground checks with data and cooperation from digital platforms, with the stated goal of building a long-term system rather than a one-off campaign. Authorities positioned the January 13 operation as a potential turning point for Phuket’s tourism-based transport sector.
Crackdown framed as start, not end
Officials described the mass seizures as a major success, but the governor cautioned that enforcement would continue.
“This is not a one-time operation.”
said Nirat, adding that the priority was to create mechanisms preventing the problem from flaring up again.
He said the island was aiming for greater transparency and higher standards across the entire transport system. For the 93 drivers caught in the sweep, the day proved costly, while for the wider market the question remained whether the move marked a genuine shift or just the latest round in a long-running struggle over control of Phuket’s chaotic transport scene.