PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities on the resort island expanded their campaign against illegal “black plate” taxis, logging dozens of violations within days.
Coordinated checks at tourist hotspots
Under the leadership of Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, officials conducted a joint inspection on 15 January from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to curb the illegal use of private cars for passenger transport. The operation involved the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO), the Phuket provincial administration, Thalang District Office, Sakhu Police and the Phuket airport authority. Teams focused on breaches of the Motor Vehicle Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and the Transport Act B.E. 2522 (1979), targeting private vehicles operating as taxis without registration, especially in tourist areas and at key hubs such as Phuket International Airport.
Dozens of violations, Patong as focal point
According to PLTO chief Adcha Buachan, officers recorded 16 violations of the Motor Vehicle Act and one violation of the Transport Act during the latest operation. They also identified four vehicles suspected of infringing Section 21, which prohibits using a vehicle contrary to its registered classification. In a broader enforcement drive across the province, a total of 30 vehicles were registered for Section 21 violations: 17 in Patong, three in Wichit, four in Sakhu, two each in Chalong and Kamala, and one each in Kathu and Thalang.
Island-wide sweeps and serial arrests in Patong
Police in Patong reported a marked rise in arrests as part of the ongoing campaign, taking 15 illegal taxis off the road on Wednesday, 14 January, and a further seven vehicles on Thursday, 15 January. The figures highlighted Patong’s role as a hotspot for unauthorised transport activity. Already on Tuesday, 13 January, authorities across the island had identified 93 illegal taxis in a single coordinated operation, which marked the official start of the current province-wide crackdown and was led by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong alongside PLTO and police representatives.
Legal basis and escalating penalties
Most offences related, according to officials, to Section 21 of the Land Transport Act, which bans the use of private vehicles in public passenger transport without proper registration, licensing and insurance. Penalties were clearly defined: a first offence brought a 90-day suspension of the driving licence and a fine of 2,000 baht, while repeat offences led to a 180-day suspension and, in persistent cases, the possible revocation of the licence. Officials stressed that measures did not stop at roadblocks, with integrated teams carrying out targeted checks on vehicles suspected of operating illegally, including those accepting passengers via ride-hailing apps without formal taxi status.
Safety, fair competition and Phuket’s image
The firm approach followed long-standing complaints from registered taxi operators and concerns among authorities about passenger safety, unfair competition and potential damage to the island’s tourism image. Provincial representatives said Governor Nirat made clear the effort was a permanent, systematic campaign rather than a short-term action, with closer coordination planned between police and transport agencies. Responsible bodies underlined that offenders would face consistent enforcement under transport law, including fines, vehicle seizure or suspension from service depending on the severity of the breach.
Authorities promise sustained enforcement
A PLTO spokesperson said:
“The inspections will continue across the entire province.”
said a PLTO spokesperson.
The stated aim was to ensure that only legally approved vehicles and qualified drivers were allowed to provide passenger transport services on Phuket.