Dozens of Illegal Motorbike Riders Arrested at BTS Mo Chit

Police and military officers detain a motorbike taxi operator in July. Photo: Fm91trafficpro / Twitter

BANGKOK — At least 25 unofficial motorcycle taxi operators were arrested Friday at BTS Mo Chit.

In an ongoing crackdown on unsanctioned operators, police and soldiers were stopping and charging them with either using a personal vehicle for a taxi service or wearing an unauthorized taxi vest.

They were fined 2,000 baht and their vehicles were impounded within seven days, according to Kosit Eimla-or, head of Land Transportation Department’s Inspection Section.

If they repeat the crime, Kosit said, they will lose their driver’s licenses.

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Singapore-based Grab and California-based Uber are both illegal in Thailand, according to the authorities. While the government says they are not properly registered with the Land Transport Department, the services continue to operate despite being ordered last year to halt. Dozens of drivers have since been arrested for ignoring the ban.

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