PHUKET: Taxis, tuk-tuks and rental vehicles on Phuket are now being fitted with GPS devices as part of the Patong Safety Zone project.
The plan was launched today by local businessman and Patong Taxi Federation President, Preechavude ''Prab'' Keesin, with Kathu Police Station Superintendent Colonel Jirapat Pollchanaphan.
Scores of hired vehicles are dumped or onsold and the fitting of GPS devices has led to the recovery of a greater number of them.
Knowing where taxis and tuk-tuks are is also expected to give Patong police more essential information in investigating allegations against drivers.
Taxis, both legal and illegal, are already signing up for the voluntary scheme, said Khun Prab, whose federation has a membership of about four in every five tuk-tuk and taxi drivers.
The location of the vehicles will be monitored from the federation's offices at the Pisona Group headquarters in Prabaramee Road, Patong.
Khun Prab, son of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, runs the family's Pisona group businesses.
The Patong Safety Zone project has divided Patong into six zones, each with its own police representatives working with volunteers in the communities to make each area safer.
The installation of hundreds more security cameras in Patong is also expected to lead to a reduction in crime and a greater number of arrests.
The plan was launched today by local businessman and Patong Taxi Federation President, Preechavude ''Prab'' Keesin, with Kathu Police Station Superintendent Colonel Jirapat Pollchanaphan.
Scores of hired vehicles are dumped or onsold and the fitting of GPS devices has led to the recovery of a greater number of them.
Knowing where taxis and tuk-tuks are is also expected to give Patong police more essential information in investigating allegations against drivers.
Taxis, both legal and illegal, are already signing up for the voluntary scheme, said Khun Prab, whose federation has a membership of about four in every five tuk-tuk and taxi drivers.
The location of the vehicles will be monitored from the federation's offices at the Pisona Group headquarters in Prabaramee Road, Patong.
Khun Prab, son of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, runs the family's Pisona group businesses.
The Patong Safety Zone project has divided Patong into six zones, each with its own police representatives working with volunteers in the communities to make each area safer.
The installation of hundreds more security cameras in Patong is also expected to lead to a reduction in crime and a greater number of arrests.
