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The Future of Patong, by a Man with a Vision
By a Phuketwan Reporter Friday, November 26, 2010
PATONG has a future as a big city along the Singapore or Hong Kong model, but with a green environmental outlook, says Preechavude ''Dr Prab'' Keesin, who runs 20 companies and already has 1000 employees in Phuket's best-known west coast holiday destination.
One thing he would like to see is the disappearance of Patong's beach loungers and their replacement with towels.
''I want Patong to be famous, to be ready to be a world-class city,'' he tells Phuketwan journalists Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison in a comprehensive interview for Issue 145 of the Phuket Post this week.
The interview marks the beginning of a new column, ''The HEAT,'' in which the people who know Phuket best are asked questions they haven't been asked before in every issue of The Post.
''Dr Prab,'' as he is known by all in Patong, has emerged as the leader of change for the tuk-tuk drivers through his role as President of the Patong Taxi Federation. His view is that there are too many tuk-tuks, and that the process of reform has begun and should continue.
He also has a plan to build Phuket's largest resort, in the hills behind Patong, with 744 rooms. And of course, he is the son of Patong's Mayor, Pian Keesin.
''The mayor is my Dad. He has been a very good Dad,'' says the man who finished his masters studies at California State University doing finance, worked in banking, then after the 2004 tsunami, returned to Patong.
Preechavude Keesin's vision of the future of Patong can be read in full in the latest issue of The Phuket Post. Phuket's best news magazine is still only 20 baht at good book stores and news outlets. Pick one up this weekend - look for the big red tuk-tuk on the cover. Phuketwan journalists question leading island identities in a new series designed to explain the issues and the attitudes of Phuket's leaders and advocates.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
"..with a green environmental outlook.."
So sad to know that the man probably will run the future of Patong can't have a real vision of the true is under his eye...
Posted by
pop
on
November 26, 2010 10:05
He's the boss of the taxis.
Why are we listening to him?
(Other than his dad is the mayor).
Posted by
Mike Boyd
on
November 26, 2010 10:32
Editor Comment:
Because he's the President of the Patong Taxi Federation, and only the ''boss'' of his businesses. And why is there suddenly a ''we'' in this? Phuketwan is listening because we'd like to go beyond rumor and gossip. How is it that the people who prefer not to listen know more than the rest of us? I can't figure that out.
What is this man talking about?
Phuket is a small province on which the people on the west coast have their solely income from tourism, Hong Kong and Singapore are huge international trading centers.
And which reforms have been made in the Tuk-Tuk business?
Posted by
Hotel owner in Patong
on
November 26, 2010 11:48
Editor Comment:
When you've read the complete story, come back and have your say.
"disappearance of Patong's beach loungers and their replacement with towels. " This would be crazy, with the harsh hot sun and skin cancer etc. The lounge chairs with their shade makes staying on the beach more nicer.
" build Phuket's largest resort, in the hills behind Patong, with 744 rooms."
Dear god, do we really need another super large hotel, So take away the shade of the sun chairs and replace with another large hotel ! wow that sounds like a good idea.......not
Posted by
phill
on
November 26, 2010 12:04
Editor Comment:
You need to read the article, Phill. Then you won't be so confused.
"The mayor is my Dad. He has been a very good Dad"
Another good one, PW!
Posted by
Treelover
on
November 26, 2010 12:19
Editor Comment:
Treelover, you can read the full article in the Post or wait until next week, when it looks as though we will need to post it in full to ease the epidemic of cynicism that has gripped some parts of Phuket.
4 Comments with 4 replies from the Ed telling them to read the article properly.I read the article but do not get the point of it. Patong is bucket & spade brigade budget beer bars and girls.This man must be dreaming.It will always be that way and no amount of Daddies money and Californian Ideas will change it.
Posted by
Dream On
on
November 26, 2010 15:17
Editor Comment:
The full article is in the Phuket Post, not on Phuketwan. Anyone who comments now is doing so without a full understanding of what's been said. Happy to hear what people think after they've read the article, although I do hope later comments are not full of petty put-downs.
Hahahaha what a joke.
Ed please stop printing this rubbish on line.
We all know the Tuk Tuks will never come down in price, We all know it is all about money and nothing else.
As for the Singapore and Hong kong i do not see how phuket could ever be like either ??????. could you get him to explain this.
Posted by
lord Jim
on
November 26, 2010 15:19
Editor Comment:
He has. Read the full article.
''We all know'' . . . speak for yourself, Lord Jim. Most people are receptive to the prospect of change. They'd prefer it. You don't seem to understand it or want it. That's a shame.
Dear Ed
Living here in Phuket for twenty years i understand a lot more that you do be the looks of things.
Can you tell me one thing that has changed for the good in public transport ?.
Can you tell me one thing that has changed for the good with the environment?.
You are living in your own tiny dream world.
Posted by
lord Jim
on
November 26, 2010 18:11
Editor Comment:
Lord Jim, the fault in your logic is that because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't on the way. If you believe that change will never happen, you may not even note it when it does.
The good thing that has changed for public transport is the honorary consuls' meeting, and the acceptance among local authorities - going back before the meetings but confirmed by them - that change must happen. If I am living in a tiny dream world, there are plenty of others who share the dream.
Environmental safeguards are much more difficult to achieve.
Just out of interest, in 20 years, how much change have you urged? How many ideas have you suggested to local authorities? It would be a mistake to sit back and let things go to seed for 20 years without doing something, wouldn't it?
Ok,give it some chances:.. so as promised, we now are waiting for the new way of the traffic in Patong that should happen before the Carnival on 15 December... mmhhhh but long time nobody are speaking about: maybe they forgot??
Posted by
Richard
on
November 26, 2010 20:22
Editor Comment:
As we've reported, the Governor says that police have concerns about the change and it's by no means certain that it will happen before December 15. The plan is to also make changes to beachfront parking at the same time, which is probably the cause of the delay.
editor i'll say again.... make your editorial. be professional. let the comments come. why do you insist on making a reply. nothing more then a gossip/forum.
my question to you. are you an editor of an online newspaper or a troll for an online blog to sell ads??? which is it? i am betting your reply will be another reply to keep a troll going to sell ads... please prove me and all the readers wrong.
Posted by
john s
on
November 27, 2010 00:51
Editor Comment:
John, We encourage people to make comments that add something to the collective knowledge about any issue. Opinions based on common sense and logic are fine. We won't publish comments that are based on bias or bigotry, or that have no foundation in fact.
There are very few criticisms about Phuketwan we won't publish. We figure that readers can tell for themselves whether those criticisms are accurate, and it usually provides a pretty good guide as to whether the reader is talking sense or not.
I too doubt very much that transport in Phuket will change. The problem isn't with higher-ups not having had solid ideas, suggestions or even the best of intentions.
The problem, is with each and every individual gaming the system no matter what anyone tells them.
Be it Phuket or Issan, if you have wheels, you make the rules.
Unless the man in charge can be at every curb and every kilometer along the ride with every fare, the rip-offs will continue.
It's good that you illustrate the potential for realistic changes, I certainly like seeing the articles.
The people criticizing what you have written aren't coming up with solutions, and it's also a hard sell to refer people to an article 'off-page'.
The ability to stay in context by following your advice to read the article in Phuket Post is hindered for me because I no longer stay in Phuket.
But certainly where I stay in Isaan, tuk-tuks are just as much of a rip-off and no one here's ever going to change that.
Posted by
JingJing
on
November 27, 2010 05:32
Editor Comment:
JingJing, One of the constant barriers to change is the perception that tuk-tuks and their future is an 'us versus them' issue. One small group clearly have entrenched views on the topic.
The first rule of sane and sensible discussion, we believe, is to remain polite, to be constructive and to listen to what others have to say.
We've attended a meeting of the Patong Taxi Federation, seen the drivers turn out en masse in uniform to a large gathering in Patong, heard what the honorary consuls and embassy representatives had to say at four 'Phuket Pariaments,' and what Phuket's leaders have said in response. We've talked about the issue many times to people with a variety of opinions. What we report is based on the facts, not prejudice or years of festering resentment. Yet we are constantly told there will never be change. Go figure.
The article will be published in full on Phuketwan next week but for now, it's only in the Phuket Post. We'd certainly be interested to hear your thoughts.
The sad case is, Our California Prince to Patong is just as Nieave as our editor..!!! Its great to have a good vision. But in a land where a criminal mentality is readily accepted. It takes a hard line Taxsin like ruthless aggressive approach to really make change.
Anyone of us, Weather it be me, You or Lord Jim would be laughed at if we started trying to "Urge" Change. As you are by the authorities editor and anyone else who believes that change is coming.
They stomped out Taxi Scams in BKK. Sure, some change may come to patong also. But Its always going to be Patong. Not anything else.
And with Patong's leaders show the lack of innovation to be dreaming of more hotels when we have over 60 percent vacancy rates at most hotels. Well, Nothing more needs to be said here... Patong will be limited in in evolution by the minds of the men who run the show.......
Posted by
kevin
on
November 27, 2010 14:48
Editor Comment:
Kevin, Cynicism is no substitute for conviction or courage. Nobody laughs at people who urge change or believe it will come, except for the incurable cynics. And nobody with conviction or courage fears the laughter of cynics.
Being owner, shareholder, reporter, moderator, editor, coffeeboy and whatever more can become to much for one to stay objective and neutral.
Please stop being judge and condemm reactions from readers in the way you do. You can have your personal say, but not as one person in every function.
Posted by
PatongExpat
on
November 27, 2010 21:14
Thats non-sense Mr.PatongExpat
We love hearing from our dear Editor. Very wise words, by the way editor. Actually made me think for a moment.
There's so much in your statement that could be cut to shreds and used to further my the agenda that is my point.
But, enough has already been said. It will be very interesting to see the future of Patong. I just hope they don't go and mess a good thing up..!!!
Posted by
kevin
on
November 28, 2010 01:14
Kuhn Editor,
(moderated)
Posted by
PatongExpat
on
November 28, 2010 07:27
Editor Comment:
When you provide evidence for your potentially litigious claims, we will publish them.
"The full article is in the Phuket Post, not on Phuketwan. Anyone who comments now is doing so without a full understanding of what's been said."
Is Phuket Wan affiliated with Phuket Post, a magazine that relies on tourism and property market advertising?
Please, if there's more to the story that readers aren't getting, post it it here as I don't buy publications printed on glossy paper.
Posted by
Media Watcher
on
November 28, 2010 09:29
Editor Comment:
The article has been ''posted'' in full in the Phuket Post and will appear in full on Phuketwan later in the week. Phuketwan's link to the Post goes back to the magazine's beginning. The editor of Phuketwan was the founding managing editor of the Post, and later the Thai company in which he is a director became a shareholder. Journalists holding a stake in media organisations is nothing new, MW. It has no impact on our ethics. I suggest you find someone who is willing to buy a copy of the Post, and they can read you the full article.
Dear editor, remember when a public bus was introduced to run between Patong and Karon? Why don't you tell us what happened to that bus project? So much about change...
Posted by
Mack
on
November 28, 2010 10:20
Editor Comment:
That was last century, Mack. Do you really believe nothing has changed on Phuket in the past 10 years? Do you really believe change will never come? Never, ever?
To be honest, I am amazed there are so many people who choose to live in the last century. They seem happy to be unhappy, and they want to stay that way. Good luck to them.
Sure dear editor, things have changed in the last 10 years, the number of tuk tuks has probably more then doubled. LOL
Posted by
Mack
on
November 29, 2010 10:27
"The editor of Phuketwan was the founding managing editor of the Post, and later the Thai company in which he is a director became a shareholder."
In that situation I understand your stand, Editor.
Posted by
Karl Hansen
on
November 29, 2010 13:09
Editor Comment:
What stand is that, Karl? I suspect your understanding may be limited by your own ethics.
As someone who lives outside Thailand, I'll wait for Dr. Prab's thoughts in full next week before making detailed comment.
I simply note in passing that every "world-class city" without exception has a cheap, comprehensive and comfortable public transport system, overseen by the municipal authorities. The function of such world-class public transport systems is to to offer affordable, standardised rates that facilitate and drive forward the business and tourism life of the city. I look forward very much to seeing Dr Prab's thoughts on that subject.
Posted by
Doug
on
November 30, 2010 19:34
as someone who has not lived in Phuket since the last century i would love to know what happened to the public bus route between Patong and Karon..
Can anyone oblige??
Posted by
another steve
on
November 30, 2010 22:08
How about you ed?? No comment??
Posted by
another steve
on
December 1, 2010 14:59
Editor Comment:
Dr Prab was generous with his time and prepared to answer everything we asked him. I have no doubt that he has the best interests of Patong and its people at heart. We look forward to asking him more questions as Patong's future becomes its present.
To another steve
The bus service between Patong and Karon/Kata came to an abrupt halt, I believe, on the third day of operation.
The driver was pulled off the bus and beaten badly. I have not heard of anyone being arrested or charged for this attack but that was the end of that service.
Posted by
Chris
on
December 2, 2010 09:38
Obviously Editor you must find the level of comments against or regarding negatively toward the subject story very irritating? You seem to defend the indefensible IMO.
Posted by
Robert
on
December 4, 2010 09:15
Editor Comment:
People who use the word ''obviously'' rarely show signs of independent thought. I'm not defending anything, merely pointing out the flaws in the expat ''us versus them'' mentality. It's a clueless mob that repeats the same mindless mantras over and over again. The earth is flat, say the majority. So it must be true. And not one of them ever bothers to sail towards the horizon.
Editor: "Obviously," you don't understand the percentages of interaction with or between the Tuk tuks and the foreigners visiting or living on this island? Thai nationals receive 50% or greater reduction in fares and seldom if ever incur abuse or extortion from or through the use of tuk-tuks.
Why wouldn't the level of complaint come from those most affected? You've got a serious race problem with foreigners and suggest you learn how to effectively communicate with all races, not just Thais. The continued shouting down of com-mentors will not further your subscription levels.
Posted by
Robert
on
December 5, 2010 09:51
Editor Comment:
Tuk-tuk fares are now negotiable, so most people will negotiate. As the governor has said, a new strategy for dealing with the issue will be in place shortly.
Your remarks about my ''serious race problem with foreigners'' are laughable, and ''shouting down'' commentators is impossible. This is a text-based medium.
Tomorrow's headline;
Phuket Wan Comment Editor Meltdown: Defending the indefensible has taken its toll..."
IMHO Thais hate foreigners, you only have to live here about 1 month to figure that out.
Posted by
Christy S
on
December 5, 2010 11:31
Editor Comment:
Christy, Your opinion is never humble enough, especially when it's tinged with unacceptable bigotry. In the case of someone who sounds off without real thought, paranoia inevitably takes hold sooner rather than later.
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"..with a green environmental outlook.."
So sad to know that the man probably will run the future of Patong can't have a real vision of the true is under his eye...
Posted by pop on November 26, 2010 10:05