Samui District Chief Amorn Chumchuay led the operation together with Samui District officials, transport department…

Thaiger The fight against the taxi mafia on Koh Samui targets illegal territorial control. Yesterday, May 28, an operation against the taxi mafia began in Surat Thani, during which officials started to dismantle groups of taxi drivers accused of seizing public spaces and preventing other legal taxi drivers from picking up passengers. Samui District Chief Amorn Chumchuay led the operation alongside Samui district officials, transport department staff, police, tourist police, and municipal officers. The operation targeted public transport vehicles violating the law and was part of a broader campaign to regulate public transport on Koh Samui. Officials stated that the operation's goal is to combat taxi-mafia-style queue systems that occupy public spaces and prevent legally registered taxis or public transport vehicles not part of their groups from picking up or dropping off passengers. Photo via DailyNews. Amorn stated that allowing the problem to continue without serious action could affect Koh Samui's tourism image and cause long-term damage. Officials declared that every legally registered public transport vehicle has an equal right to operate on Koh Samui. No individual or group can claim ownership of public spaces. Photo via DailyNews. The fight against the taxi mafia also reportedly requires public transport drivers to strictly adhere to regulations. Drivers must always be properly dressed, avoid waiting for passengers in one spot, and pick up or drop off passengers only in safe, non-obstructive locations. Drivers who violate the law or threaten and obstruct others will be prosecuted under the Land Transport Act. Penalties may include suspension or revocation of public transport driver's licenses and cancellation of vehicle license plates, without exception. Photo via DailyNews. In an earlier incident involving the taxi mafia, a taxi driver was shot dead on Koh Samui, one suspect was arrested, and several others are still being sought by police. The victim was the primary breadwinner for his family, and his child was born just last month. Story as seen on .