Bangkok taxi drivers protest new rules
BANGKOK taxi drivers are up in arms against the Transport Ministry’s new rules requiring them to install new gadgets, including an emergency button for passengers and a snap-shot camera, the Thai-language daily Khao Sod reported today (Nov. 28).
“Right now, more than 10,000 taxi drivers cannot renew their licences because they do not have the money to pay for the new equipment,” said Mr Worapol Kaemkhuntod, who represents the Bangkok Taxi Drivers Association.
“The new equipment alone will cost us 29,000 baht, not to mention the monthly Internet fee and car maintenance cost of around 3,600 baht a month,” he said, adding that most of the taxi drivers have to pay 18,000 baht a month for the purchase of their cars.
“We cannot survive under the new regulations, and want the ministry to revoke them.”
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Top: Some taxi drivers outside the Transport Ministry today. Photo: Khao Sod
By Songpol Kaopatumtip
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