Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said the proposal to install CCTV in cabs was aimed at enabling authorities to monitor the conduct of taxi drivers and passengers, and would help solve the problem of taxi drivers refusing to take passengers.
Transport Department deputy chief Asdsathai Rattanadilok Na Phuket said a ministerial regulation was being drafted to hold taxi owners accountable for refusal of service by drivers who rented their vehicles. Taxi operators may be liable to the maximum penalty, revocation of their operating licences, if their drivers refuse to pick up passengers.
There are about 100,000 metered taxis registered with the department. Of them, 70,000 cabs are operated by companies and the remaining 30,000 by individuals.
About 20,000 taxi cabs operated by companies have already had GPS devices installed on a voluntary basis, reported the Bangkok Post.
