Recent charges of taxi mafias, bad behavior by drivers, and brawls between taxi drivers in front of visitors have tarnished Thailand and Phuket’s reputation. Another recent instance at Phuket International Airport went viral when customers were told to take an airport taxi instead of a minivan.
Many bus stations and ferry docks have been accused of having exclusive contracts with local taxi drivers, however, in Thailand and around the world, cabs must have special licenses or licenses to access airport terminals to pick up customers. Grab and other ride-hailing applications have made this practice controversial.
A picture on Thursday showed Phuket Airport employees stopping passengers from taking an organized minivan and urging them to utilize an airport taxi. The video included an explanation.
“A minivan driver met online-booked customers at the airport. Airport staff halted the minivan at the airport exit and told online-booked passengers to hire a licensed cab.
Online commenters were upset that the tourist had to give up their pre-booked transfer. They stated that denying tourists options adds inconvenience and raises prices, damaging tourism. They suggested that passengers should be able to exit the airport via taxi, the ride-hailing app, or other ways.
Phuket International Airport released a statement indicating that someone used a ride-hailing app to organize a pickup, but the driver did not meet airport taxi requirements.
A minivan cab picked up people who booked online yesterday (September 28). Ministerial Regulations declare Phuket Airport an aircraft control area. The minivan driver broke rules. Taxis can’t enter the airport without permission. Airport taxis must register. Passengers and taxi drivers know the rules.”
Yesterday’s provincial meeting emphasized the island’s public transit choices. Phuket has 6,000 registered taxis and 378 buses. Transportation was covered at a meeting headed by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan. Thai Tourist Authority and tourism sector representatives attended the meeting.
Phuket has 11,351 public transport vehicles. 277 were metered taxis.
518 minibusses and vans, 518 tuk-tuks, 378 buses, and 6,342 “non-buses” were included. Meeting attendees emphasized the necessity of tourists using authorized taxis and vans. They promised to launch a PR effort.

Phuket Airport officials forced tourists out of vans and into taxis
More from ThailandMore posts in Thailand »
- Top 20 Cannabis Shops: Where to Buy Weed in Phangnga Vol 1, 2024
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Navigating US Tariff Challenges at the 46th ASEAN Summit
- Chao Phraya River High Tide: Bangkok’s Efforts to Prevent Flooding in 2025
- Top 20 Cannabis Shops: Where to Buy Weed in Phang-nga Vol 1, 2024
- TikTok Cake Illusionist @mmfuwongg Sparks Viral Debate on Child Safety
- Thailand’s Solar Revolution: New Legislation to Transform Rooftop Energy by 2025
- Countdown to International Day of Yoga 2025: Pattaya Beach Hosts Vibrant Wellness Celebration
- Covid-19 Variant NB.1.8.1: Rising Threat and Global Impact
- Yingluck Shinawatra’s Legal Battle: Fresh Evidence Aims to Overturn 10 Billion Baht Order
- University Lecturer Wisut Hemman’s Arrest Shocks Nakhon Si Thammarat: Illegal Firearms Operation Uncovered
- iLaw and Conforall Demand Halt in Senatorial Selections Amidst Vote-Rigging Allegations
- Somsak Thepsutin Challenges Medical Verdict on Thaksin Shinawatra’s Treatment: The Heated Debate Unfolds
Be First to Comment