PHUKET: A Phuket City volunteer who is also an illegal taxi driver has denied taking two Burmese to an isolated part of Phuket and raping them, police said today.

Thawatchai Sawatdiraksa, 44, was arrested after the two Burmese, one aged 29 and the other 14, went to police and gave a description of the man who allegedly raped them, including the number plate of his vehicle.

The alleged crimes took place on May 8, the Burmese said, when the 29-year-old arrived on Phuket about 4.40pm and was taken by the man in his ''black'' taxi from the bus terminal to Ao Yon, where she worked in a restaurant.

The man spotted the 14-year-old and, showing his official card, insisted the two continue the journey in his car. He drove to the Khao Khad viewpoint, one of the highest points on Phuket, where he raped both Burmese.

The following day, the 29-year-old woman went to Vichit Police Station and later to Phuket City Police Station, where the alleged perpetrator was identified.

The Permanent Secretary of Phuket City's Muang District brought Khun Thawatchai to the station this morning but he denied knowing anything about the rapes.