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Phuket Tuk-Tuk Leaders Oppose Fare Cuts, Meters
By Chutima Sidasathian Thursday, February 11, 2010
LEADERS of two Phuket west coast tuk-tuk groups say that their drivers are likely to resist moves to put meters in vehicles and reduce fares.
Pornthep Chamkhao, leader of the Karon-Kata Tuk-Tuk Association, said today that tourists came to Phuket to enjoy local culture and tuk-tuks were a traditional aspect of island culture.
He did not agree with Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob's concept of metered tuk-tuks.
''If the governor decides to put the meters in the tuk-tuks or even in taxis, that will certainly bring a protest,'' he said.
Natdanai Chaowana, one of several tuk-tuk group leaders in Patong, said meters might be appropriate for longer trips, but drivers would not agree to have meters on short trip vehicles in Patong.
The comments from the tuk-tuk group leaders today indicate that proposals from a meeting between the governor and honorary consuls from 16 key tourism nations this week face an uphill battle to win drivers' support.
Some tourists say they are not returning to Phuket because taxis and tuk-tuks on the island charge up to 10 times the going rates in Bangkok.
Governor Wichai undertook to seek talks with the drivers and other interested parties to suggest meters and lower fares.
Today Khun Pornthep said tuk-tuks were part of ''local wisdom'' and tourists enjoyed the island culture. Local people were employed as drivers, he said.
It was not reasonable to compare Bangkok and Phuket fares because Bangkok did not have the mountainous countryside of Phuket, where more fuel was needed and operating was more expensive.
''I would like the governor to come to make decisions after talking to the people who have jobs driving tuk-tuks,'' he said. ''Top-down decision-making will not succeed. The people involved need to have their say.''
The governor did not understand the importance of ''local wisdom,'' under which the tuk-tuks and illegal taxis operated together without disturbance, he said.
About 514 tuk-tuks, taxis and minivans operate under the Karon-Kata group banner. Khun Pornthep is also a member of the Karon Orborjor.
Khun Natdanai said he agreed that taxis should have meters because Phuket was an international destination, but tuk-tuks should not have meters.
''If you just travel around in Patong, there is no need for meters,'' he said. ''Tuk-tuks in Bangkok do not have meters. It's just a matter of negotiating a fare.''
To go further afield from Patong to the airport or to Karon, visitors could call a metered taxi, he said.
''Let's talk about the big picture all over Phuket,'' he said. ''We all need to be involved.''
Although the number of people using tuk-tuks has been declining, more drivers are joining groups, even though incomes are lower now. More key meetings are planned after a historic gathering of representatives from Phuket's tourism source nations suggested a new approach to metered tuk tuks and taxis on the island.
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Comments
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''If the governor decides to put the meters in the tuk-tuks or even in taxis, that will certainly bring a protest,'' he said.
Let 'em protest.. If they break the law or block roads then punish them to the full extent of the law. Let them know their power has been broken and allow alternatives into the market.
Posted by
LivinLOS
on
February 11, 2010 11:41
The government in Bangkok should declare them all illegal, they are anyway, insurance for passengers? driving license? vehicles in good condition and checked? Careless driving, noisy, rude, impolite. Get them out of the island for the benefit of all, put the same bus system as for Phuket town between the beaches, tourists will love it.
Posted by
Jean-Paul patrick
on
February 11, 2010 12:06
''If the governor decides to put the meters in the tuk-tuks or even in taxis, that will certainly bring a protest,'' he said.
It would also bring more customers for tuk tuks as people would then know they would be paying a fair price.
Posted by
Whispering Jack
on
February 11, 2010 12:42
I praise the Governor for starting the process. I find it funny that 'local wisdom' is being used to mention the very thing that brings shame and unwanted negative publicity to the island.
Forget the meters and let some competition come in (metered taxis). Do they really think they can sit around with their 'gangsta' buddies, shouting rude comments (yes I understand Thai) and expect people not to resent them. Vive La Revolution!!!
Posted by
Jon
on
February 11, 2010 14:06
Me being a regular visitor to Phuket and many parts of Thailand would suggest that Phuket tuk tuk should take the cue from Ao Nang Beach, Krabi's long tail boat operators. They list the hourly rates of their charter on a board on the beach.
The rates are fair to operators and tourists. Everyone is happy. Example, 1/2 day of 4hrs. costs 400 baht. to 2 islands and Railay beach. 1 day of 8hrs 800 baht. to 4 islands and Railay beach. At Patong, signs put up can say e.g. Patong beach to Karon beach 100 Baht. Patong beach to Kata beach 200 Baht. etc. Tuk tuk moving around Patong beach area 20 Baht per ride.
Hope this suggestion could help. I love Phuket and Thailand, and the people. Work out something good that everyone is happy and benefit from it. Cheers!
Posted by
Mag Ong
on
February 11, 2010 14:47
The introduction of a real and efficient transport system would create more jobs and bring greater economic benefits to all Phuket people.
I don't see too many tourists spending their money in Central Festival or Phuket City as it is just too inconvenient to get to. So many businesses outside of Patong struggle to survive as there is no visible transport service to bring potential customers.
How difficult is it to run a few more buses down Thepkasattri Road, the Bypass road and along the West Coast?
And the Tuk Tuk fraternity are ruining Thailand's international image and should be regulated.
Posted by
Peter
on
February 11, 2010 14:48
These guys are crazy. They don't negotiate, they have a set price and all of them quote the same price. Fixed pricing and they use violence to stomp out any competition.
This is such a widespread and known problem, why can't the people from BKK come down and take care of it once and for all?
Posted by
Chris
on
February 11, 2010 15:16
easy solution for all,dont use taxis or tuk tuks without a meter. funny they still called tuk tuk!
Posted by
bb
on
February 11, 2010 15:22
"local wisdom" it is not. If you ask not "transport related" locals, you will hear some real local wisdom.
And the fairy tale, that only old phuketeers are employed is just not true. It is true, that every one can pay for a "license" to the local bigwig. "Illegal" taxis are not too much illegal also. If some guy would try to operate a real illegal taxi in an area he did not pay for his "license", he'll cease his services fast.
I still think, without the cavalry, there is little hope to change. These "license" fees are paid and I guess, no refund possible, so the "local" drivers have to give a fight, otherwise they lose big. Some go into dept to finance this license, not to mention the "rental" fees every month.
And the guys who got the fees, they also have to spend money, to keep their job or get a promotion, keep public noses out of their business and their kids in the private English school. So big part of that money is also gone uphill without possible refund.
Cool situation. Now Phuket has a governor, who seems independent, who cares for the greater good of the island. That was not always the case. That is a change and a threat.
In reportings from Bangkok Post there are allegations that Governor posts in Thailand are bought for up to 20 Mill Baht. You have to get this money back and more in only two or three years!
Keep that in mind, when we will hear the decision of Bangkok, if they let the current independent governor stay for some more months or not.
If I have to guess, I think in this case, they will even use "influence" to get rid of him.
But in the end, they really have to solve the thing, because this tuk-tuk situation is becoming a real nuisance and a face loser for them. It shows everyone, like in that fairy tale, that the emperor is naked.
Posted by
Lena
on
February 11, 2010 16:12
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Hopefully this will eventually solve at least one of the major problems, the extortionate fares, and maybe the second major problem of there being 5x too many tuk tuks.
We need this change badly. The future of Phuket may be determined with this. I am very interested to see what will happen.
Posted by
ScubaBuddha
on
February 11, 2010 18:21
The only people who like change is a baby with a dirty nappy. Get over it, the winds of change are upon us all. Adapt or die. Up to you now.
Posted by
Graham
on
February 11, 2010 18:30
The tuk-tuk 'leaders' are being very short sighted. The NUMBER ONE complaint year after year after year is the tuk-tuk rip-offs.
There are too many tuk-tuks. The illegal ones need to go for a kick-off. Then the legal ones need meters in them.
Less tuk-tuks charging less money means more people will use them, which actually results in MORE money for the remaining legal drivers. It's not rocket science.
It's environmentally a good decision, people will leave their cars/bikes at home if the price of tuk-tuks is right. Just about every other part of Thailand has Thai people using tuk-tuks. Not Phuket though - it's too expensive. So everyone drives or rides.
C'mon tuk-tuk leaders. Use your brains. Welcome to the 21st century and stop thinking like a rice farmer for once.
Posted by
Mr Mark
on
February 11, 2010 19:35
I love that "tuk-tuks were a traditional aspect of island culture".
So the local culture is to rip off both visitors and Thais alike, driving them around in an open, underpowered vehicle? I'd rather not be a culture vulture if that's the case. Yop down decison making works out in most organisations otherwise anarchy ensues- Whoops, it's already happened in this case.
Stand by for more shootings in low (sorry- SUMMER)season as there's even less business for these poor mis-understood upstanding members of the community.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
February 11, 2010 19:41
I know it is hard, but why not get a By-law passed in Phuket, that ALL transport must have a meter. Those who fail to have a meter would be removed from the road.
Also with a Metered Taxi/Tuktuk you would need an English Help Line - unlike the BKK one where it is all Thai so when you do need help by reporting a Taxi you have no chance of getting any satisfaction with an outcome.
Posted by
Tbs
on
February 11, 2010 19:46
Just eliminate them. They will never agree to take less money. Put in a real transportation system (songtaews or small buses) and station a policeman aboard to enforce the law if the songtaew is attacked or blocked. If it happens, put them in jail !
Posted by
arby
on
February 11, 2010 19:55
Give us more metered taxis. Let them go where they want, when they want. The tuk tuks will have to adapt or they will be finished.
They will never change, and nobody will stand up to them, so concentrate on giving people a reasonably priced alternative.
Posted by
Colin
on
February 11, 2010 20:18
I have lived in bangkok for over 10 year's now, and i can tell you that their are meters in 99 percent of all tuk tuks, so that guy better get his fact's right and he should think of the tourists before he thinks of ripping them off, that is why in the low season no one comes to visit because at that time the tuk tuk drivers are the most crazy people in Thailand when you have over 4000 tuk tuks and not enough guests fights happen and rip offs occur.
Posted by
Jamie
on
February 11, 2010 21:36
Let em protest if all us expats stood together we could combat drink driving due to the fact of going a short distance and not being taken for a fool by Tuk-Tuk and taxi drivers alike we have only been on the island a short time (2.5 years) and have found if we know how to speak to the tuk-tuk or taxi driver in thai we get at least 30% TO 50% discount, all I can say is poor tourists, what a life, just rob a tourist, sometimes i would like to tell them ''no tourists no food in your tummy'' so get real
Posted by
Anonymous
on
February 11, 2010 23:51
It's always interesting to read the explanations and reasons from the locals involved in every sort of dispute. To me it always sounds similar to cartoons:)- Does anybody remember Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy....:)
Posted by
Richard
on
February 12, 2010 03:29
Now in earnest many of the local expats have begun relaying news home to various social networking sites and other forums about tuk tuks. It's pretty simple, the reputation of tuk tuk drivers and for that matter taxi drivers is one of thuggish adherence to a culture of ripoffs driven by desperation and faux-entitlement.
I now try to help anyone I see avoid tuk tuks and taxis even if it means giving them a ride myself or directing them to where they can get an excellent deal on alternate transport.
Posted by
Elrako Harkonnen
on
February 12, 2010 04:29
Dear Mr Governor,
With all my respect, you are fighting a lost battle. Please stop loosing valuable time, and introduce a viable public transport system in Phuket which will serve Thais and foreigners alike !
Maybe a petition to the Bangkok leaders will help ?
Posted by
elizabeth
on
February 12, 2010 13:25
@ Anonymous on Thursday February 11, 2010 at 23:51 Were you drunk when you posted? You must not be a local to Phuket because locals do not get 30-50% off tuk tuk fares. Not Thai speaking expats, and not Thai's.
What I can't get over is all this concern over "drivers support." Who cares what the drivers think! It's not up to them! This simply needs to change. Time to bring in the big bosses from Bangkok! the honorary consuls need to get together and say, look, you make big changes or we will recommend to our respective countries that no one holiday here. Watch things happen then!!
The news today reported a joining together of several Patong taxi/tuk tuk/motosi clubs into one group. Obvioulsy they are circling thier wagons, consolidating power now that their little monopoly is threatened. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Several things need to happen before tourists will stop being turned away by the terrible state of transportation on the island.
Firstly, this "Patong Taxi "Club"" needs to be a "Phuket Taxi Club" so that drivers are free to pick up passengers anywhere on the island without fear of being shot by a rival taxi/tuk tuk club, as is currently the situation. The current practice requires drivers to return to their home turf before picking up another fare, adding to the traffic problems and wasting gas and money.
There needs to be a drastic reduction in the number of tuk tuks in Phuket. As the Patong Police Chief said recently, "200 tuk tuks would be enough for the whole of Phuket" Actually, that number is probably a little low, but certainly 50% less than the 800-1000 currently in operation would be plenty. You could phase them out over 2 years.
Fares need to return to some semblance of sanity. Even slightly more than Bangkok taxi's should make most everyone happy. (Except of course the taxi bosses)
There must be an affordable alternative available in the form of baht buses running between all the beaches and popular tourist destinations. When implemented, the driver/owner of said bus should feel reasonably assured he will not be dragged from his bus and beaten by members or representatives of the tuk tuk/taxi club, as is now the practice. (Since the last guy was beat up, the permit for this line remains, not surprisingly, unfilled, for any brave souls out there)
None of this is likely to happen without intervention from the "big bosses" in Bangkok. The governor recently said, "I am waiting for direction from Bangkok." I am sure they are watching the situation closely. Phuket's future as a tourist destination is at stake.
Posted by
ScubaBuddha
on
February 13, 2010 00:42
Leaders in Bangkok? There are no leaders here, only puppets of The Elite, and they are all too buzy gearing up for Chinese New Year!
Posted by
BOM
on
February 13, 2010 01:36
here's an idea ! unless the tuk tuks are owner operated with proof of ownership make them lodge a large bond (25,000 baht per unit). if they break the law, get caught overcharging, assault passengers, then they lose the cash. cartel bosses can afford this easily.
Posted by
jmw
on
February 13, 2010 03:33
Tuktuk prices are unreasonable, like a lion opening its bloody mouth. No Chinese tourist will feed that beast. We are not crazy.
Posted by
Ling
on
February 13, 2010 03:53
There is a 3-pronged approach that will break the stranglehold of tuk tuks on Phuket.
1. Go ahead and introduce the 20 baht minimum fare and meters for all tuk tuks. If it causes mass protests and blockades, so much the better. The more of a national and international story it becomes, the quicker the government in Bangkok will be to address it. In effect, give them enough rope to hang themselves. Encourage them to overplay their cards and they'll unwittingly make it so much of a problem that it has to be addressed by central government.
2. This one is simple. Stop using them. By all means go to Phuket, but only stay in hotels in major areas - Patong, Karon, Phuket Town etc - and have your holiday in them. Everyone goes on about the power of influential individuals and families on the island, but wait till international hotel chains start shouting to senior government people that the transport issue is killing their businesses on Phuket and you'll see where the power really lies.
3. Following on from the first two, make it an issue abroad, rather than at home. The Sydney Herald picked up the initial story, so there must be a good chance that they'll follow up its development. If there's a problem articulated by locals, expats and existing holiday-makers, it won't be dealt with. If - like the jet-ski scams that featured on UK television - it becomes a blight on Thailand's reputation abroad, then and only then, will they get to work on it.
Phuketwan should be sending these stories to every sizable publication in every major tourist market on an almost daily basis. Sooner or later, more notice will be taken and more and more outlets will take up the story.
Apart from that, people can help by mentioning the tuk tuk situation on hotel and vacation reports such as Agoda etc. The wider the story goes, the quicker Bangkok will deal with it. If it's just a local whinge, nothing will happen.
Posted by
Doug
on
February 13, 2010 23:25
I wonder if anyone with any power actually reads these postings? It seems like everyone here thinks the same. Do away with these people if they don't want to change the status quo. The alternative: keep letting them do whatever they want and suffer immeasurable losses in tourism income. Up to you.
Posted by
Dave Williams
on
February 17, 2010 12:11
Isn't it amazing how articulate the local Tuk Tuk leaders are at justifying scams. Local Culture, how absurd, tuk tuks are dirty polluting pieces of junk, and the drivers in general are only interested in ripping off any unsuspecting tourist..
Posted by
Astounded
on
February 18, 2010 10:29
We need the army here for several reasons - getting rid of the tuk-tuks is a good start.
Posted by
Mike Boyd
on
February 23, 2010 21:50
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''If the governor decides to put the meters in the tuk-tuks or even in taxis, that will certainly bring a protest,'' he said.
Let 'em protest.. If they break the law or block roads then punish them to the full extent of the law. Let them know their power has been broken and allow alternatives into the market.
Posted by LivinLOS on February 11, 2010 11:41