Taxi rank relocated in bid to weed out illegal cabbies

The subcommittee dealing with illegal taxis and tour guides at Suvarnabhumi airport has agreed to relocate a taxi rank from the second to first floor.

Chairat Sa-nguanchue, director-general of the Land Transport Department, yesterday said licensed taxis with yellow licence plates would be allowed to pick up fares on the first floor in front of the airport's arrivals terminal from Oct 1.

Mr Chairat said there was ample room on the first floor which made it easier to manage the traffic flow and keep a check on illegal taxis.

''The relocation of the taxi rank is aimed at stamping out the illegal taxi operators and tour guides plying their trade on the first floor,'' he said.

Mr Chairat chairs the subcommittee dealing with illegal tour guides and taxi operators.

The second floor has limited space and is dedicated to limousine services provided by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT).

A fast-track lane would be set up for passengers carrying luggage so they did not need to take escalators and lifts, Mr Chairat said.

The subcommittee also agreed to appoint a legal team headed by Samut Prakan provincial prosecutors to take action against illegal tour guides and taxi operators caught committing repeat offences.

A source at the AoT said talks would be held tomorrow with taxi operators to develop a clear understanding of the planned changes.

Source: Bangkok Post, AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK,10/09/2009