PHUKET MOTORBIKE TAXI DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER NETIZENS THOUGHT

PHUKET MOTORBIKE TAXI DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER NETIZENS THOUGHT 

A motorbike taxi driver was arrested after netizens reported an “Indian” man operating a taxi service in Phuket. The man turned out to be Thai, but unfortunately for him, did not have the required documentation to be a legal taxi driver and was fined accordingly.

Authorities picked up on the story when an unnamed person took to social media to report “an Indian taxi driver” operating through a ride-hailing app.

This kicked off some online chatter about foreigners working in occupations that are reserved for Thais only, with many commenting on the fact that there are no work permits available for foreigners who wish to work as taxi drivers.

The Phuket Tourist Police swiftly launched an investigation into the driver, with assistance from the Phuket Land Transport Office. It quickly came to light that the driver, whose ID card identified him as Harim Preedasirikun, is in fact Thai. However, he did not have the correct licence or paperwork to offer a motorbike taxi service.

Mr Harim has been charged with operating a motorbike taxi service illegally and was fined 2,000 baht. His personal driving licence has also been suspended for 90 days.