Journalist ‘Intimidated’ By Chiang Mai Taxi Organiser

Mr. Chanchai Keelaplaeng, Directorate General of the provincial land transport, said that his authority had been alerted about the “taxi gang”, and asked the police to arrest its members after they had threatened the journalists.

 

CHIANG MAI – The daily Khao Sod newspaper reported on Thursday (October 3) that a journalist in Chiang Mai has received threats of violence from the leader of an illegal black taxi group operating near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Previously, many news agencies in the province have reported about the so-called ′Black License Plate′ taxis which operate near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. According to the reports, the taxi intrusively hawk their service to foreign tourists and charge them extortive fare later. The reports followed many complaints from the tourists.

Today, Mr. Manit Khemkham, 56, the deputy editor of Chiang Mai News, told police that he had been receiving threatening phone calls from Mr. Nirand Panarakworakul, who Mr. Manit said is the organiser of the illegal taxi group.

the taxi intrusively hawk their service to foreign tourists and charge them extortive fare later

According to Mr. Manit′s statements to the police, Mr. Nirand told the reporter he would beat him up until he passed out. Mr. Nirand also allegedly threatened Mr. Manit that any news agency that continues to report about the taxi service would be attacked by “thugs”.

The police said they will investigate the matter together with Chiang Mai Provincial Land Transport Office.

Mr. Chanchai Keelaplaeng, Directorate General of the provincial land transport, said that his authority had been alerted about the “taxi gang”, and asked the police to arrest its members after they had threatened the journalists.

“Causing nuisances to the tourists and threatening journalists count as criminal offence. The police should respond to the gang behaviours, as they are tasked to do, in order to wipe out such problems” said Mr. Chanchai.