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Protesting drivers in the park opposite Provincial Hall today

Phuket 'Black' Van Drivers Protest to Governor

Friday, October 25, 2013
PHUKET: About 50 minivan drivers parked their vehicles opposite Phuket Provincial Hall today in a protest aimed at gaining legitimacy.

The white-plated vans are actually ''black'' illegal vehicles and are often subjected to fines by police, say the drivers. They are seeking yellow legal plates.

A petition from the drivers - they reckon there are about 100 van drivers seeking recognition - asks Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud to help them gain legality.

The petition suggests the additional vans are needed throughout the Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi region.

Drivers' leader Aneak Eawso said that illegal van drivers could be fined between 2000 baht and 20,000 baht when pulled over at police checkpoints.

Comments

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By all means legalize them but test them first to ensure their driving skills, etc.

Posted by Logic on October 25, 2013 12:28

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There have been many opportunities lately for illegal drivers to become fully legal. They have obviously not taken those opportunities, or could not take them, why?
And why should the government help them now?

Posted by stevenl on October 25, 2013 12:46

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@stevenl : at least they ask to be legal. Not the same can be said about many taxi drivers. They all had the opportunity to become legal, but take a good look around and see how many black cabs are still on the road, or parked on footpaths with a "taxi" sign on top. And nobody from the government, or DSI that does something about these guys. Make the van drivers legal, make sure they can handle their vehicle and let's move on.

Posted by Charles on October 25, 2013 13:15

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@ charles: they can become legal, all they have to do is go through the process. Their request probably means they don't qualify.

Posted by stevenl on October 25, 2013 15:07

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Aren't there already more than enough mini vans on the roads ? What about substituting all this small vans with big buses and a smart routing system ? Safer, easier to control, better for the environment and also less costly.

Posted by Resident on October 25, 2013 16:22

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@stevenl: Wasn't there a problem with the black taxi owners not having the registration book needed to become legal? The reg. book was with the bank as security for the loan to buy the car.

Posted by Buster on October 26, 2013 01:48


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