I think that Phuketwan should pass on these exchanges, and maybe a poll or other complaints, to the Bangkok authorities, only then will something be done.

Hasn't this problem gone on long enough ?

I have just returned from Hua hin and Bangkok where I took taxis and public transport all the time.

The prices weren't even half the price of Phuket taxis and tuc tucs!!! And they do have cheap public transport !!!

Give Phuket back to the people, before it's too late .

Posted by elizabeth on March 14, 2010 13:16

Yes, I was over there one night when a US Navy ship was anchored nearby. (the deep sea pier on cape Panwa that is)
I heard one taxi telling someone it would cost them 2000 baht to go to Phuket town. This is indeed robbery.

On a similar note, I was over at the ferry pier (Rassada) to pickup a friend coming from Phi Phi and while waiting went over to watch a gambling game going on between the taxi drivers.

I was quite surpised to see 500 baht notes being thrown around by most of them. I know that's a lot of money to my wife and these guys were throwing them around like they had plenty more.

I think something really needs to be done about these gangsters. And soon.

Posted by fiddledude on March 14, 2010 14:53

There is nothing wrong with greed. Individual operators should be able to ask whatever they want. The problem is that the operators band together into a cartel, displaying anti-competitive behavior backed up by thuggery, that prevents lower-cost operators from entering the market. If the market were truly free, then prices would find their proper supply/demand levels. This is where government and police need to play their critical role in protecting free competition. The abdication of this role by the authorities is the core issue here, as it is with most of the transport woes here in Phuket.

Posted by D on March 14, 2010 15:21

I have heard the US Navy was complaining about this same exact thing. Maybe the cruise ships and the US Navy need to make joint promises to bypass Phuket until the situation becomes more tenable.

I would hate to see that happen, but a little suffering now would be worth it in the long run (unfortunately that view is generally not the way it is in Thailand) especially if it gave use reasonably priced metered taxis and a baht bus running between Patong and Kata/Karon.

Why is it the same price (even cheaper if you get a an early booking deal) to fly 1.5 hours to go 700km to Bangkok as it is to get a taxi for 30 minutes to go 20km to or from the airport?

Posted by scubabuddha on March 15, 2010 02:58

I thought it was great last month when the Queen Mary wrong-footed TAT, tuk tuk and taxi drivers by turning up and anchoring off Patong instead of the Deep Water port as anticipated. More of it the better. One wonders how much collusion there is between TAT and the drivers.

Posted by Mister Ree on March 15, 2010 11:32

Its already mentioned in the cruise industry news, and you will have more ships going straight to Patong. Problem is low season the ships will not visit and how much money does that lose Phuket because of the greed of a few taxi drivers?

Cruise ships usually plan their schedules two to three years in advance and I know from the fact I am in the industry. Phuket has lost about four visits, and that is from just one Cruise company.

Posted by Michael on March 15, 2010 14:42

SORRY ...Mafia controls PATONG....
Same...Same...Please....HELP....

Posted by barka on March 16, 2010 04:00

To understand why this goes on, just follow the money trail. Welcome to Thailand, Land of Smiles!

Posted by Tom on March 21, 2010 19:31

Very profitable to rip off visitors and zero chance of getting in trouble for doing it.

Posted by JJ on March 22, 2010 07:04

I can't believe the authorities tolerate this situation, if this happened in any other country they would be stomped on. It is blatant theft and the Phuket police and tourist authorities leave it be. Disgusting.

Posted by Suzi on March 22, 2010 16:45

Things will only change with the US Navy sending a pack of marines to clear Phuket streets.

Posted by m on March 22, 2010 16:45

I retired to Thailand, five years ago. My son worked in Phuket and I visited him twice as I could not believe it first time. The taxi m**** have the place sewn up and know it. They are incredibly rude and short-sighted. I have not only never been back, but have dissuaded any visitors to visit Bangkok where the taxis are a real bargain.

Posted by Mike Bell on March 23, 2010 15:23

Cunard's Queen Victoria on its maiden cruise is off Patong now. I guess TAT and the taxi touts will be wandering around the Deep Water Port looking lost again. Sum Num Na.

Posted by Mister Ree on March 26, 2010 11:00

Another Governor, another crack down, but nothing has changed, the taxis seem to be ruling the roost. Slowly the interest in the island will diminish.

Posted by Tony on March 29, 2010 01:28

Visiting Phuket for the third time in five years and we are thinking this will be our last visit..

The metered taxi from the airport to Kata was great and at 370 baht is a fair price and the driver got 100 baht tip... Then moving hotels from Kata to Surin I called the same metered taxi company but they said they couldn't pick us up because of taxi ***** at our hotel (Metadee) the hotel was charging us 900 baht to go to Surin Beach. We ended up getting a tuk-tuk for 600 baht.

Now heading back to the airport tomorrow they are quoting us 900 baht again... The metered taxi isn't allowed to pick us up at this hotel either...

Just so disappointing...

Posted by Marcus on April 5, 2010 01:11