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Phuket Citizens Join Growing Outcry over Tuk-Tuk, Taxi Intimidation, Monopoly
By Phuketwan Reporters Thursday, November 10, 2011
PHUKET: Residents of Phuket are now calling for action to end the threats of violence and other negatives associated with the monopoly grip of tuk-tuks and illegal taxi groups.
Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha met a Phuket resident yesterday who complained that he went to pick up a business associate at a resort in the Bang Tao-Cherng Talay area, only to be turned away at the entrance by a group of taxi drivers.
The man, a Phuket citizen who wishes to remain anonymous, told Phuket's governor yesterday that the taxi drivers told him, in effect: ''Get lost or we'll beat the s*** out of you.''
The Governor passed on the man's letter of complaint immediately to the office of the Damrongtam bureau, which is based in Phuket City at Provincial Hall.
The Director of the Damrungtam office, Praphan Kanprnsang, said today that the latest allegation followed a letter from Karon residents.
The Karon residents wrote that they went to Chalong Police Station to complain about illegal taxis but were told by officers: ''There's nothing we can do. It's the taxi Mafia.''
As well as using threats and intimidation to monopolise tourist transport at virtually all Phuket's west coast resorts, the drivers have been accused of setting up a checkpoint on a public road in the small township of Nai Thon.
It is believed a British man who was ordered from a car by taxi drivers at that checkpoint has since complained to the British Embassy, and that the embassy is reportedly taking the issue up with senior government officials in Bangkok.
The British man's treatment follows a similar incident reported by a Thai man who said he went to pick up a Russian friend, but drivers ordered the Russian, a tourist staying at a beachfront resort, out of the vehicle.
At a meeting earlier this week involving Phuket's local authorities and tourism industry leaders, Phuket Tourism Association Vice President Bhuritt Maswongssa called on the government to solve the problem.
He said that authorities needed to determine how many of the ''taxi drivers'' in both legitimate cabs and personal cars pretending to be taxis were actually from Phuket.
''These people are hurting Phuket's tourism industry and in the end, they hurt themselves as well,'' Khun Bhuritt said.
The tuk-tuk and taxi drivers of Kata-Karon have failed to respond to a suggestion that they pioneer a call centre model that would end the need for traffic-clogging taxi stands all over the district.
Phuket authorities, having assessed the possibility of them taking action to solve the problems associated with Phuket's thousands of uncontrolled tuk-tuks and taxis, have requested intervention by the Interior Ministry in Bangkok.
The issue of Phuket's extortionate tuk-tuk and taxi fares, six times those charged in Bangkok, has also been passed on to the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Prania Suwanrath, for resolution.
Phuket's honorary consuls are scheduled to meet with Governor Tri later this month. While some account will certainly be taken of the need to make a priority of the Bangkok floods and recovery, the honorary consuls are also likely to make the point that the tuk-tuk and taxi issue will seriously damage tourism's part in assisting recovery unless action is taken.
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Comments
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Why don't you make it law for all taxi's & Tuk Tuks to charge by the meter, perhaps have a higher starting price than those of Bangkok but also introduce a fine system if unscrupulous drivers are caught not using the meter ?
Posted by
Danny
on
November 10, 2011 11:35
Editor Comment:
Good idea, Danny. Now all you need to do is persuade the taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. One problem would be that the lack of a meter would tell you immediately that you were in an illegal taxi.
Why is it so hard to understand for people to understand that the issue is not where the drivers come from, but the issue is the system and the will to implement and enforce laws?
I am somehow confident that most if not all tuk-tuks and other form of taxi has Phuket license plates!
Posted by
Mr. K
on
November 10, 2011 11:53
The only way to force change here is by Thai people power. The local thai population are just as threatened and intimidated by these guys as long term foreign residents and visitors. Civil action as seen in Cherng Talay when injustice was seen is the only way forward. It's the Thai press that needs to be running these stories. The same old rhetoric on thaigeezer, etc has no effect at all. The community as a whole has to turn against this so-called mafia.
Posted by
Mister ree
on
November 10, 2011 12:46
There was a similar story sometime ago with a road block, what was the outcome on that story ?
It is often mentioned here that Thailand is a democracy and that everybody is equal for the law, if that is true then is Phuket a part of Thailand ?
Posted by
Bjarne
on
November 10, 2011 13:08
Editor Comment:
Road block? Oh, you mean a checkpoint . . .
Why is it so hard to understand that positioning things so you can save face is the norm in this culture. It is always important to suggest that the problem is some "other/outsider" because it is rude to suggest that the good people who vote for you and live here would do anything untoward. Having some outside group to point the finger at is critical. Ask George Soros and the IMF. It is frustrating but I care less who they blame and more that they fix the problems. If you are expecting the solution to involve naming names and confronting the scofflaws this is the wrong place. The solution, if there is to be one, will skirt confronting the perpetrators if at all possible but remove the issue more obliquely. I can only hope that our biggest concern is that the "powers behind the taxi mafia" and "the mob" itself never faced justice.
Posted by
Martin
on
November 10, 2011 13:25
I tried to go and do some dining and shopping on Patong seafront this morning, no parking but hundreds of tuk tuks. Then thought I'd try somewhere near Hard Rock, which looked as if it was under a tuk tuk blockade. No point in ever visiting Patong, I'll spend my money elsewhere.
Posted by
Jon
on
November 10, 2011 16:02
What is a "Phuket Citizen"? And how does the nation of Phuket's flag look like?
Posted by
christian
on
November 10, 2011 17:25
Editor Comment:
Cities and provinces can have citizens. The symbol of Phuket is the skeleton of a fine, big fish, scavenged to the bone by everyone.
What precisely is it that central government can do?
The only way I can see this working is by a process of 'decapitation' - not literally, obviously - whereby the big fishes are put in jail for a very long time.
You're not going to deal with everything all at once, so have a twin track policy.
The first is to deal with the most egregious examples of law-breaking. Road-blocks (yes, that's what they are) and threats of intimidation are jailable offences. If tuk tuk and taxi drivers start going to jail, those tactics would disappear fairly rapidly.
As it is, people are getting away with near murder (as with the German tourist in a coma) and the most anyone can expect is a slap on the wrist. I wonder if a group of tourists kicking a taxi driver into a coma would be met with a polite request to turn up at a police station at their convenience?
Bottom line? Jail time, jail time, jail time.
Posted by
Doug
on
November 10, 2011 23:03
Well if the Police won't do anything you're well and truly up against it, i stopped coming years ago because of the way we got treated. We have a saying in the UK it goes along the lines of ''they all piss in the same pot,'' an apt description of Phuket.
Posted by
william Dale
on
November 11, 2011 08:54
Doug, in most societies the method you suggest of arresting lawbreakers and putting them in jail would work. Sending a clear message, etc. Here it would not, chaos would ensue. In all likelihood it would cause mass blockades or worse.
Calling in the military to deal with that chaos would not work because quite simply it is the same as making a threat without having the empowerment to do anything. They are not going to shoot the lawbreakers or even arrest them. You seem a thoughtful intelligent person so will leave it to you to consider the substantial examples that exist in the culture here to support this.
The solution lies in something more nuanced, some quid pro quo that will allow the locals to remove this issue and give something back to the people who are backing/leading the tuk tuks, jet ski's etc. Probably leading to some new issue to replace the last. In the past they have done this by giving land or permits. The problem the admins of the island have is they are really out of concessions and land to give. They have little to negotiate with and offer that anyone wants more than what they have already. Hence the long drawn out process and frustration that the local government is showing.
They are not going to confront the issue. It is not the style here and would be considered very bad form. They are certainly not going to do so with high season approaching and a chance that the local economy will remove this from the front pages.
I am not saying I disagree with your approach necessarily, just that it won't happen here. The key should be that the Mayors/Tambon Leaders would fix it but in the case of tuk-tuks they or their relations own most of the concessions so that path to resolution is doubtful. I do think it will be alleviated but probably not resolved at some point. The reason they need BKK involved is not about threats of intercession but because only the National Government has anything to offer the leaders of these groups that might alter their behavior even temporarily. The idea that they can just say "stop" is cloud chasing they just don't have the political/police power to do it and would be ignored. Again, lots of examples I could cite but easier to just repeat that threatening people has no impact if those you threaten know you don't have the power to really impact them.
Posted by
Martin
on
November 11, 2011 09:12
ED says "Road block? Oh, you mean a checkpoint . . ."
No, he means the road was blocked by the taxi drivers.. a check point is something the police might set up to legally stop and check vehicles!!
Posted by
another steve
on
November 11, 2011 09:12
Editor Comment:
Let's not exaggerate, please . . .
roadblock: an obstruction placed across a road, especially of barricades or police cars, for halting or hindering traffic, as to facilitate the capture of a pursued car or inspection for safety violations.
checkpoint: a place along a road, border, etc., where travelers are stopped for inspection.
The only solution is a total boycott from tourists, advises from all embassies, on travel web sites...absolutely everyone who wants to holiday in Phuket needs to know about the danger to use tuk tuks and rent jet skis.
Posted by
Jean-Paul Patrick
on
November 11, 2011 09:42
Editor Comment:
Wouldn't that be an out-of-proportion reaction, Jean-Paul, inflicting pain and suffering on the innocent?
Stop the nonsense editor! Road block was right. The tuk tuks' are totally out of control on this island -and this for years already. Nothing changes. They keep talking and talking but nothing gets done. Their driving is often horrible which means usafe: meaning not respecting lanes, too slow or too racing etc.. They truly own the roads. They intimidate tourists daily, block off most all parking spaces and just hang around like flies. Often they let their poorly tuned engines just running outside of open restaurants polluting the nice ocean air. Its amazing how one small group of mafia gangsters can so ruin the reputation of the Phuket, while all those in power just keep on talking.
Posted by
longresident
on
November 11, 2011 10:02
Editor Comment:
Rants like this one are a waste of time, longresident. (this is your fourth different name, by the way, no credibility there.) Tell us what you've ever suggested or done to correct the problem. Talked to your honorary consul? Signed a petition? The point is that the outlook has never been more promising. You just don't seem to like the idea of not having something to rant about. The ''nonsense'' is all at your end.
Why ask for comments if all you do is give your readers the benefit of your Australian so called wit and sardonic comments
Posted by
Scunner
on
November 11, 2011 18:51
Editor Comment:
I have no interest in where you are from, Scunner, only in whether you have something constructive to add, and whether you can add it without exaggeration or bigotry.
Bus between patong and kata are the only thing that works. In the beginning you can have guards on board to prevent the tuk tuk mafian sabotage, when this has worked for a while then maybe mafian understand that they must find other things to do.
Posted by
Thai tourists.
on
November 11, 2011 19:03
Gentlemen if you all cool your jets I think you will find that both Bjarne and I are referring to the incident a few months ago when there was a row between Kamala people and Cherng Talay police over the release of a 'powerful man's' son after an alleged stabbing incident. No action was being taken so the locals blocked the road to force attention to the issue. Shouldn't be a problem referring to it here as the original story was in the public eye. Peaceful protest brought about a result - I'm just suggesting that if enough local pressure was brought to bear instead of the same old drum banging in the english language media it is likely to have more effect. It's the only real way forward and worked for Gandhi.
Posted by
Mister ree
on
November 11, 2011 23:27
I would call that collateral damages. Already nearly two decades that they are ripping off tourists and now they are becoming violent, enough is enough.
Posted by
Jean-Paul Patrick
on
November 12, 2011 09:45
By pass Phuket ! Take this never ending problem to higher levels in Bangkok !
These taxi s and tuc tucs are the shame of Phuket. I'm often in bangkok and take them to go all over town, and have never been over charged or had a problem. Ive written to phuketwan before, and after two scary incidents in phuket I dont go back there anymore !
Posted by
elizabth
on
November 12, 2011 21:46
A salon taxi from Chalong Circle to Phuket Airport, a distance of 41km is currently 800 baht. The same distance in a Bangkok metered Taxi: 225 baht. (35 Baht for the first 3 kms then 5 Baht per Km)
There is no acceptable explanation for this.
Posted by
ScubaNinja
on
November 13, 2011 21:02
Editor :"The point is that the outlook has never been more promising."
Mr Editor, the point is, that is have never been worse than now. Seriously, you yourself post numerous articles about the violence and abusive behavior of the Tuk Tuks. Have it ever been worse, no ! Have there ever been more Tuk Tuks and illegal taxis on the island, no !! They block resorts, not even allowing normal law abiding citizens to pick up friends and business partners. Have it ever been worse, no !! Just read your own paper would you. What we need is an effective task force from Bangkok, a new prison, a large number of taxi meters, a giant impound lot and the will of the local non Tuk Tuk people to enforce some much needed law here. A task force with brass b**** to stop every Tuk Tuk out there, impound it until a taxi meter is installed, and prison sentence ( long time ) for those Tuk Tuks who had a meter installed, but now somehow not working. Signboards along major roads with a short telephone number for a quick reaction force, to come and deal with the Tuk Tuks. And maybe a mandatory class for each and every Tuk Tuk driver, to teach them how to kiss tourist a**.. This would help, but would sadly never happen. If you cant see its never been worse, well I suggest opening your eyes and read your own news..
Posted by
Peter
on
November 18, 2011 09:54
Editor Comment:
Like so many who are out of touch with reality, you expect your news to be reported accurately, then you object when it is.
Your suggestions are laughable. The outlook has never been more promising.
Out of touch with reality ?
Have there ever been more problems regarding the Tuk Tuks and illegal taxis as I state ?
Have there ever been more Tuk Tuks and illegal taxis on this island as i state ?
Do most problems arise from the fact, that there are now way too many Tuk Tuks for the number of tourists and thus they have a problem earning enough money ? I believe so.
But please enlighten me, where I am out of touch with reality, and while you are at it, please explain why the future of the Tuk Tuks and illegal taxis now looks better than ever.
Ok my suggestions in previous post will never happen, but if they did, it would certainly clean up that business.
Posted by
Peter
on
November 18, 2011 10:46
Editor Comment:
''The outlook has never been more promising.''
I am talking about moves to solve the problem, Peter. And it will only be solved through logical persuasion.
I am of the opposite opinion. I believe the growing number of people associated with the Tuk Tuk m****, and the ties with local law enforcement will prohibit any logical solution. We may see a slight reduction in fares and maybe we will end up being able to park a car or two on the west coast, but as I see it, the future is very bleak. I think what will happen is a travel advisory warning all westerners against using Tuk Tuks. And eventually we will see a decline in Phuket tourism. Then and only then, we might see a smaller number of Tuk Tuks - and only because they now move to Rayong or Hua Hin or where ever the tourist will go then. Its a dog eat dog world out there my friend, and with a ruthless m**** trying to grab as big a piece of the pie as possible. If no proper law enforcement exists or will exist, the m**** problem will never go away. They did not stop Al Capone by reasoning logically with him. It took a real hard approach to rid the US of the peak of the m**** problem, and the same applies here. It will take a hard approach by law enforcement, to take away the peak of the problem. Especially since the m**** is so well rooted.
Posted by
Peter
on
November 18, 2011 11:05
Editor Comment:
The fact that Phuket administrators are now asking for advice and assistance from Bangkok is a breakthrough. Phuket is not prohibition USA. It's an odious and unfair comparison. Your impatient ranting serves no purpose.
By having a different opinion than you dear editor, and explaining why I have that opinion, does not call for near personal attacks on me. I am not ranting on, I am simply disagreeing with you. If you don't like that, remove the comment section.
You have called my suggestions laughable claim that I am ranting. The only rant so far is this comment. And I will leave it at that, despite what you may say.
Posted by
Peter
on
November 18, 2011 12:08
Editor Comment:
Peter, we are involved in reporting what happens on the island on a daily basis. I don't know how many conversations you've had with administrators lately about what's happening, but we've had quite a few. You label people m****, yet complain when I criticise what you say - not you - as ''a rant'' and ''laughable.'' Criticism of your opinions is not ''a personal attack.''
Part of the reason we created the comments section was to encourage logic and understanding, not constant harping about the problems we already know, and are trying to resolve. if you do not welcome challenges and debate, perhaps you're reading the wrong source of news and information.
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Why don't you make it law for all taxi's & Tuk Tuks to charge by the meter, perhaps have a higher starting price than those of Bangkok but also introduce a fine system if unscrupulous drivers are caught not using the meter ?
Posted by Danny on November 10, 2011 11:35
Editor Comment:
Good idea, Danny. Now all you need to do is persuade the taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. One problem would be that the lack of a meter would tell you immediately that you were in an illegal taxi.