All taxis welcome at Rassada Pier after ’turf war’ hits spotlight

*Great news! Today Rassada Pier...soon to fall should be the mafia run cartels at the airport. Seems like Khun Somchart needs to book an appointment with Airport Officials to finally do away with one of the most…*

Published: 2026-03-14 19:00 UTC Event date: developing

All taxis are now permitted to operate at Rassada Pier following recent attention on a longstanding dispute between taxi groups at the busy Phuket transport hub. The decision, announced today, aims to resolve tensions after reports surfaced of a so-called "turf war" that had limited taxi access and drawn complaints from both residents and visitors.

Rassada Pier, located just east of Phuket Town, is the main departure point for ferries to popular destinations such as Phi Phi Island and Krabi. In recent weeks, concerns were raised about the dominance of certain taxi groups at the pier, which restricted other licensed drivers from picking up passengers. This led to frustration among tourists facing limited transport options and higher fares, as well as local drivers who said they were unfairly excluded from the lucrative pier trade.

The new policy follows increased scrutiny from local authorities and community leaders, who have called for a more open and transparent system. By allowing all registered taxis to serve Rassada Pier, officials hope to improve service for travelers and create fairer competition among drivers. The move is expected to benefit both tourists arriving at the pier and Phuket residents who rely on the route for daily commuting.

Local tourism operators have welcomed the change, noting that transportation hassles at key entry points can negatively affect Phuket’s reputation. With the high season approaching, smooth and accessible travel is seen as critical for maintaining the island’s appeal to international visitors. The pier’s new open policy is anticipated to reduce wait times and give passengers more choices, potentially lowering fares through increased competition.

Attention has now turned to similar issues at Phuket International Airport, where exclusive taxi arrangements have also been a source of controversy. Community leaders, including Khun Somchart, have called for discussions with airport officials to address complaints about limited taxi access and alleged monopolies. Many hope that the successful resolution at Rassada Pier will serve as a model for reform at other major transport hubs on the island.

Authorities have stated that they will monitor the implementation of the new policy at Rassada Pier and gather feedback from both drivers and passengers. Further meetings are expected to take place in the coming weeks to assess the impact of the changes and consider additional steps to ensure fair and efficient taxi services throughout Phuket.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/all-taxis-welcome-at-rassada-pier-after-turf-war-hits-spotlight-88414.php