The PLTO confirmed the news through an announcement posted publicly late Thursday (Nov 14).
The confirmation that Maxim is legal in Phuket followed an article by The Phuket News posted online on Monday (Nov 11) reporting the current list of approved ride-hailing services according to the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO).
"According to the latest notice issued by the PLTO, on Oct 24, ride-hailing apps Hello Phuket, Grab, AirAsia Super App, Robinhood, Bonku, Asia Cab, Bolt and inDriver are legal to use in Thailand.
"Maxim remains listed as ‘uncertified’ by the Department of Land Transport for legal use in the country,” The Phuket News article on Monday reported, noting the exact description still posted by the PLTO at that time.
Maxim on Tuesday (Nov 12) confirmed directly to The Phuket News, with documentary evidence, that their popular app and services are legally operating in Thailand.
“Maxim is currently in contact with the PLTO to clarify the information and address the photo used in the notice.
“We believe there may have been some confusion regarding the legal status of Maxim in Thailand. While the PLTO notice is specific to Phuket, the DLT’s position remains the authoritative source for nationwide regulations, and we have been assured that Maxim is in full compliance with these regulations,” Maxim told The Phuket News.
However, as of Tuesday (Nov 12) the PLTO still had yet to confirm that Maxim is legal in Phuket.
The announcement posted by the PLTO on Thursday has now corrected that oversight.
No explanation has been given by the PLTO as to why Maxim was not listed as legally operating in Thailand earlier.