While its superb to hear at least one small subgroup of the visitors to Phuket have enough clout to ensure they get honest treatment, what about the 100's of 1000's of other visitors, of hotels forced to use them or face the consequences, of continual price fixing and menaces.

No one has a 'right' to the work, there needs to be a free market, and competition within it. Then passengers can choose the service they wish and prices might reflect those of other areas within Thailand.

Posted by LivinLOS on June 21, 2010 13:18

This is good news. Thailand needs to promote a new rejuvenated attitude towards tourism. Or tourism, like it is now, will suffer great harm, and other destinations will fill the void. The Navy ships go beyond tourism, into re-supply business and international diplomacy and good will with the United States Government. Shame on Thailand for allowing a bunch of unlicensed renegade thugs destroy the very industry they cater to. Taxis need tourists. If you treat guests to your country like that, Sum Num Na. Don't cry when no one comes here anymore.

Posted by Reid Ridgway on June 21, 2010 14:14

They should do themselves a favor and sail to Pattaya or the Philippines. This is beyond a joke.

Posted by Mike Hunt. on June 21, 2010 15:32

I hear that today the tuk tuk drivers are not allowing the gondoliers to ferry people up and down San Sabai.

Posted by donmphkt on June 21, 2010 16:02

The authorities have the opportunity to use the initial incident in one of two ways.

They can make sure that US navy personnel are not subject to such treatment in the future, get some police back-up for each US navy arrival and make sure the local tuk tuks are aware of the ground rules.

Or they can use it as a spur to introduce metering, fixed prices, minimum prices, create new bus routes and create a freer market that benefits each and every single visitor to Phuket.

I wonder which one they'll choose?

Posted by Doug on June 21, 2010 18:54

Well guess what? I have two friends from South Africa here, been here a day and already they are pissed off for being ripped-off by taxis.

Posted by Graham on June 21, 2010 20:16

^^^^^ and South African taxi drivers and hotels haven't vastly inflated their prices over the World Cup. Phuket's no different than any other destination - there's always a con.

Posted by Mister Ree on June 21, 2010 21:17

So this is the third incident yet no arrests. When are we going to see some stern action from the governor like arresting people that damage or to use the vice governors words " people that bring a sense of shame to phuket.'' They're quick enough to lock tourists up. Incidentally Editor, is JJ still in work or has he been punished yet?

Editor: As far as we are aware, William, the case against JJ still falls into the difficult-to-prove category because of claims that the dramatic television footage was playacting. It's pointless bringing a case without the chance of a conviction. JJ maintains his innocence. Again you resort to using the generalisation ''they.'' There is no ''they.'' Police operate separately to the governor, who has no authority over them, although he clearly has considerable influence at times.

Posted by William Dale on June 21, 2010 23:32

Now we are headed in the right direction. I just hope the self serving boys of the Navy League don't get involved!

Posted by Chalong Boy on June 23, 2010 05:32

Hey, Mr Ree, in South Africa FIFA pushed the prices up to line someone's dirty little pockets ok. Fact remains, SA has a million plus more tourists per year, than Phuket the island.
Compare the like ok, not a massive country with a durian.

Posted by Graham on June 23, 2010 09:47

"graham-
so fifa issued a mandate that all hotels should increase their prices for the duration of the world cup??
stop talking nonsense - local businesses saw an opportunity to make a killing and they took it!!
ripping off one tourist is just as bad as ripping off another!!

Posted by another steve on June 29, 2010 12:48

Errrrrrrrm Graham Phuket is an island which comprises part of Thailand. To draw a comparison between one small island and an entire country is frankly ridiculous. I doubt FIFA directed South African Airlines, hotels, taxi drivers and other business owners to boost their prices.

Posted by Mister Ree on June 29, 2010 19:49

Mr Ree, I rest my case.
Not worth commenting on your comment. Get to know the facts, please. I rest, your honor.

Posted by Graham on June 29, 2010 21:01

Feel free to present your facts or is the bag just empty of wind? Any tourist destination takes advantage - you think the Olympics in London is not going to be the same? Bear in mind that London IS on an island so I guess the comparison is just!

Posted by Mister Ree on July 2, 2010 23:24