CRIME
Wan Yubamrung, adviser to the deputy transport minister, has announced his plan to revamp the registration and licensing process for motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok to tackle extortion.
Mr Wan yesterday said he has been assigned by Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan to look into complaints from the Association of Motorcycle Taxi Drivers that its members are forced to pay protection money of 30 baht to 120 baht a day to extortion gangs.
He said there were about 190,000 motorcycle taxis in Bangkok and nearby provinces. The mafia gangs could make 5.7 million baht to 22.8 million baht in cash a day from the protection racket. Each month, fees collected could reach 171 million baht to 684 million baht.
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About the author
- Writer: Amornrat Mahitthirook
- Position: Reporter
