At 3:10 PM on May 20, taxi drivers gathered in protest outside Thailand’s Ministry of Transport on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, blocking traffic from the Makawan Bridge intersection toward Suan Misakawan. The protest led to temporary road closures.
The demonstration involved public transport drivers demanding fair treatment and changes to current regulations. Vehicles from Suan Misakawan to the Makawan Bridge were redirected to use opposing lanes.
Protesters had previously blocked the route from Makawan Bridge to Pitsanulok Road and remained in place until officials agree to consider their demands.
The taxi group is calling for the repeal of two ministerial regulations (from 2017 and 2021) which they claim create unfair market conditions and legal double standards. Their grievances include competition from illegally operating private cars (with black plates) that do not pay the same taxes as licensed taxis (with yellow plates). Protesters argue this has systemically damaged the reputation and livelihood of lawful taxi drivers, citing government actions as undermining the profession and violating public morality and social peace.