Motorcycle taxis reportedly pay THB684 million a month in mafia protection fees, an inquiry by Wan Yubamrung – son of Deputy PM Chalerm Yubanrung – found yesterday Feb. 2.
Wan, who was recently appointed adviser to the transport minister, inspected moto taxi cues around Bangkok at the behest of taxi drivers, The Nation reported.
At the first cue he checked out, riders reported paying THB45,000 a month for protection. They alos said that the gang in control of the stand had also allowed unregister taxis to operate in the area and infringe on their business.
Wan identified the gang in charge of the area in a veiled accusation, saying, “This queue is located in areas under the influence of a retired Army general and military officers come to collect the fee.”
According to Wan, there are about 190,000 motorcycle taxi drivers nationwide who pay about THB120 in protection money. “This could amount to Bt684 million each month that the protectors have been enjoying,” he said according to The Nation. “I cannot tell you the time frame for dealing with the issue but it will be reported to the prime minister,” he added.
The first thing he was going to do, he said, was ask for help from his father Chalerm in registering 1,000 cues and changing their license plate color to yellow.
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A Bangkok motorcycle taxi cue at work. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok
