Petition launched against Bangkok taxi drivers

31 Mar 2011

Taxi and songthaew drivers in Pattaya have filed a complaint against Bangkok taxis motorbike taxis, which they say are operating illegally in the popular beach resort.

According to members of the Pattaya Song-Taew Bus Co-operation, many taxi drivers from Thailand’s capital city are making to journey to Pattaya in order to cash in on the large amounts of wealthy tourists who visit the area on their holidays.

A petition was presented to the region’s Deputy Mayor, Ronnakij Eakkasing, this week, amid concerns that the actions of some out-of-town drivers could give legal taxis in Pattaya a bad reputation. The document was presented at Pattaya City Hall by the Song-Taew Bus Public Service Co-operation chairman, Thawat Puekboonnak and 50 of the society’s members.

Mr Puekboonnak complained during the meeting about the amount of taxis and motorbike taxis which have been making the journey from Bangkok and taking business away for the region’s official drivers. According to him, these drivers are causing trouble by committing crimes and having fights with other drivers in the street.

Mr Puekboonnak added that his organisation is concerned that the good reputation of taxi drivers in Pattaya could be harmed by the aggressive and money grabbing behaviour of their Bangkok counterparts.

Tags: pattaya taxi-drivers bangkok petition