About 100 Pattaya taxi drivers complained to military officials that illegal drivers are stealing their business through violent intimidation.
Taxi-driver association head Pongsak Ajanukarn led the group of legal drivers to Jittapawan College where they presented a petition for help to Sub. Lt. Chuthidej Singthong, deputy head of the area control in Banglamung District for the 14th Military Circle. Banglamung police and Chonburi transportation officials also attended.
Driver Boonchana Saentas, 37, said illegal drivers – using vehicles with black-lettered license plates instead of yellow commercial plates – often undercut them on fares, block off pickup areas and outright steal customers.
Pattaya taxi drivers complain to military officials that illegal drivers are stealing their business through violent intimidation.
He said things boiled over when one illegal driver pulled a gun on him outside the Ibis Hotel after a confrontation between yellow- and black-plate drivers.
Pattaya police chief Col. Sukthat Pumpunmuang said Suwicha Sarthrasarn, 64, was arrested in the incident. But the Chiang Mai native denied all the charges and he was released pending investigation.
Chuthidej said the military would investigate and use it as a factor in their ongoing reorganization of transportation services in Pattaya.
Prapan Pratumchompoo of Banglamung District said local officials also are investigating the black-plate cabs and likely will be prosecuting illegal operators.
