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Arrested Patong Taxi, Tuk-Tuk Drivers Languish in Cells Without Bail
By Chutima Sidasathian Saturday, August 30, 2014
PHUKET: Sixty-nine people arrested in the Phuket task force purge on taxi and tuk-tuk ''mafia'' in Patong are being held without bail, senior Phuket police said today.
''We are interviewing them one by one so the process is time-consuming,'' said the investigation leader, Police Major General Paween Pongsirin, Commander of the General Staff Division of Police Region 8.
The suspects, arrested in a massive swoop by police, the military, anti-corruption and tax revenue officials on Thursday, are being held at Phuket City Police Station.
Much of the swoop hinges on the former Mayor of Patong, Pian Keesin, his sons Prab and Peun, and the family business, Pisona, which has extensive holdings across resorts, property and entertainment venues in Patong.
Major General Paween said he had been made aware of Khun Prab's undertaking via Facebook to hand himself to police on Monday.
No members of the Keesin clan had made direct contact with police, he said.
Khun Prab made the point in his Facebook comment that he had been asked by the then governor of Phuket several years ago to give the tuk-tuks and taxis in Patong an organisation so their service and manners could be improved.
Khun Prab, as one-time head of the largest group of taxis and tuk-tuks, is credited with reducing the conflict and violence that prevailed at the time.
Police have so far arrested more than 100 people in Kata-Karon with 13 people still wanted in connection with this week's Patong arrests. More raids in other parts of Phuket have been promised.
From Monday, meter taxis at Phuket airport begin replacing the green-plate taxis that monopolised the taxi system and charged extortionate fares under threat of intimidation or blockades of public roads.
Twenty-two tuk-tuks and other vehicles are being held at Phuket City Police Station as evidence in a Patong blockade investigation.
The vehicles will be kept until the drivers' trials, which could be months away.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
The report mentions "Khun Prab, as one-time head of the largest group of taxis and tuk-tuks, is credited with reducing the conflict and violence that prevailed at the time" I've been living in Phuket for 10 years the as far as I can judge the violence and intimidation by the Tuk Tuk and taxi mafia has grown with each passing year with Khun Prab and his family
Posted by
Paul
on
August 30, 2014 10:48
Editor Comment:
Cite a few recent cases, Paul, to show your viewpoint is based on facts, not imagination.
Agree with Paul Ed...that's why the army is here revamping everything.
Posted by
sky
on
August 30, 2014 13:35
Editor Comment:
I've asked paul to put up, or shut up. Give us names, dates and information about what took place. The Army is helping police to deal with extortion, intimidation and blockades.
Pau is now claiming violence continues, worse thsn before, but he hasn't a single bit of evidence for saying that. Just a ''hunch'':
''I've been living in Phuket for 10 years the as far as I can judge the violence and intimidation by the Tuk Tuk and taxi mafia has grown with each passing year with Khun Prab and his family.''
Just not true. But don't let me stop you believing it.
Seeing as you do not allow links posted then thats not so easy to do, but look back through your own news articles and you will see very clearly that its not my imagination, nor the imagination of the Honorary Consules or the imagination of the numerous complaints. Or perhaps its better for you to cite how things have improved and how he managed to reduce conflict and violence as your article claimed, without citing that then your article is based on imagination
Posted by
Paul
on
August 30, 2014 13:46
Editor Comment:
I'm well acquainted with what's on our site and what the real evidence tells me is that violence is well down from the years before the local tuk-tuks and taxis were properly organised.
Our figures on victims or crime are published regularly. They may not be complete, but unless you actually have some knowledge, Paul, of your own, you're wasting my time.
Not sure why you are portraying Prab as some sort of Robin Hood character.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
August 30, 2014 17:56
Editor Comment:
They're your words, Mister Ree. The article certainly doesn't use them. Prab Keesin doesn't claim to be a ''Robin Hood'' nor is he portrayed as being a ''Robin Hood.'' But he did organise the tuk-tuks and taxis in parts of Patong, put them in matching t-shirts and reduce the levels of conflict and violence. And it's quite possible he acted at the request of the governor. We're not inclined to follow the cries of lynch mobs or the Patong KKK.
I agree with Paul.
Since it's obvious comments negative of K. Prab & Co are subject to almost complete censorship, I'll leave it at that and see if at least this one gets through.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
August 30, 2014 18:14
Editor Comment:
There's no guesswork in this comment, which is why it is being published. You and quite a few others appear to know how to tie a noose, put it around a neck and pull hard. We'd prefer to wait to see what the justice system decides before conducting an execution. Of course, if you or any of the others have personal experiences or evidence of misdeeds, we'd be keen to read about them. Bar talk doesn't cut it.
Oh come on Ed..as Sky said..why is the army here "cleaning" up the tuk tuk and taxi mess?...and seeing that Junior Keesin has been in charge of this mostly unruly group...he is ultimately responsible for them and their actions.
Posted by
zig
on
August 30, 2014 18:51
Editor Comment:
Most of the arrests concern the March blockade, zig. Khun Prab doesn't drive a tuk-tuk. Use your brains . . . does a man asleep at home have responsibility for the actions of tuk-tuk drivers in Patong after dark?
As I said, his reforms were successful and welcome. And he is no more responsible for the actions of the tuk-tuk drivers after dark than you are.
The Army is assisting police. The military drove the clearing of the beaches, but taming the taxis and tuk-tuks is a police project.
I have lived here for eighteen years Ed, it has gotten a lot worse, a hell of a lot worse, we now have the army here to sort the mess out, all the players up until now were only interested in lining there own pockets, if you have been here for ten years then you also now that Ed.
Posted by
coxo
on
August 30, 2014 18:59
Editor Comment:
coxo, produce your evidence that ''it has gotten a lot worse, a hell of a lot worse.'' What has ''gotten a lot worse''? If it's serious violence that you are talking about, accept that it's a lot better. Being on Phuket for a long time appears to erode the ability to think straight. The Army has cleared the beaches. They've only played a supporting role in the taxi and tuk-tuk driver projects. You and others seem to have no real grasp of what's happening and always assume the worst. Natural justice? No idea. That's sad.
"I'm well acquainted with what's on our site"
You're clearly not that well acquainted with your site as you did not respond to several requests to cite the taxi meter rates. You did not publish my request for info (in fact edited my post to delete the reference that "Ed should know" but latterly just said "someone (sue?) had found it". Man up buddy. (please feel free to go on about how I am not your buddy, in the space below)
Posted by
phonus balonus
on
August 30, 2014 19:40
Editor Comment:
I wrote recently to explain why I don't intend to respond as often to readers, pn. That's because (a) I don't have the time (b) familiarity seems to be something some readers can't deal with without aggression or conflict and (c) it really is time all readers, not just the majority, acted like adults. Quite right: I am not your (a) nanny (b) research assistant (c) buddy.
So what you're saying is some A-holes in matching T shirts are causing all the trouble, and Prab is simply trying to keep the peace?
Posted by
phonus balonus
on
August 30, 2014 19:46
Editor Comment:
I am not your (a) nanny (b) research assistant (c) buddy.
I have tried and tried, but I can't squeese out a single tear for these people. Let them languish in jail without bail, it's not like they are learning a new skill or anything like that. They are used to sitting and lying around all day doing nothing.
Posted by
Duncan B
on
August 30, 2014 22:32
All but one comment has a response from the Ed. More than on any other news report recently.
Coincidence ?
What happened to the Ed declaring he will now sit back and refrain from responding ?
BTW, your response to me was full of guesswork - be it the noose or bar talk.
Please apply the same standards to yourself as you demand from your readers. Lead by example.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
August 30, 2014 22:44
Editor Comment:
We try to lead by example, TM, in not assuming guilt. We try to lead by example, TM, in not allowing accusations to be made without evidence. Even in cases where a confession has been extracted, guilt is not guaranteed. Often, newspapers in the west won't open comments in cases like this for fear of just this kind of reaction. We defend the principle of free speech, but free speech doesn't include presumptions of guilt. It's shameful that so many readers are so ignorant of the principles of fairness, but I guess that comes with allowing people to express their feelings from behind online masks. An anonymous comment on an article like this has about as much value as a shout for the noose from a mob carrying torches and pitchforks. How sad it is that basic human instincts haven't changed down the centuries.
From now on, Thai Mike, I will save myself the trouble of responding appropriately by closing comments on issues like this one.
You know ed...I must agree with everyone on here...You are a complete f***ing asswipe...! Nobody really cares what YOU think...You are not here to THINK. YOUR JOB IS TO SIMPLY SUPPLY A FORUM...AND A FORM OF INFORMATION...PLEASE...DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND SHUT THE F*** UP...I know this won't be published, but at least you had the op to read it...F***ING MORON.!
Posted by
Ted
on
August 31, 2014 01:25
Editor Comment:
You're still falling a little short of Voltaire, Ted. Keep trying.
ted, chill out its just a forum - the ed (wingnut) emailed me a year or so ago telling me to "go and f*** myself" water off a ducks back to me - i'm still trying but i was hospitaised several times
Posted by
ayjay
on
August 31, 2014 05:50
Editor Comment:
Anyone who cuts and pastes an entire article from a rival publication, posts it in PW's comments section and expects it to be published deserves a personal response, ayjay. Take my advice to Ted.
Editor Comment:
"Most of the arrests concern the March blockade, zig. Khun Prab doesn't drive a tuk-tuk. Use your brains . . . does a man asleep at home have responsibility for the actions of tuk-tuk drivers in Patong after dark?
As I said, his reforms were successful and welcome. And he is no more responsible for the actions of the tuk-tuk drivers after dark than you are.
The Army is assisting police. The military drove the clearing of the beaches, but taming the taxis and tuk-tuks is a police project."
So he can take all the credit for all the good things, and when something goes wrong it's not his reponsibility????...The tuk tuks are his baby...good or bad...when that blockade happened, what did he do among his ranks??...did he reprimand anyone..??...he did nothing and by doing nothing he supported what they did.
Posted by
zig
on
August 31, 2014 07:33
Editor Comment:
When a soldier shoots his colleagues in a massacre, does their commanding officer resign? There's no logic to your comment, zig. Do a bit of research on the principles of fairness and justice, please, and report back.
Seems like a moot point to me. Trying to find and publish facts to support either argument is a waste of time and energy. The army appears to be getting things under control and it might be time for all of us to be looking forward not backward. Take a chill pill folks and don't get so hostile. Don't understand why you read PW if it gets you so steamed up.
Posted by
Pozz59
on
August 31, 2014 08:03
So ED Yingluck isnt guilty either as she was asleep when the rice BS was going off all around her
Posted by
sharp
on
August 31, 2014 08:21
Editor Comment:
We've never made any judgement about Yingluck or her role but we can say that the rice subsidy scheme was corrupt.
We'll leave judgement to the justice system. Do you get it now, sharp?
Ok i get it Ed thanks !! As do the majority on this thread...
Have a good day sir.
Posted by
sharp
on
August 31, 2014 09:25
Editor Comment:
Thank you, Sir or Madam. You too.
I've been living in Phuket for 17 years and I can tell that, yes, things changed a lot since 1997. More cars causing traffic, tuk-tuk driver and tour guides greedier etc so, in my opinion also in K. Prab case he had to deal with the increasing of number of tourist and put effort on trying to control tuk-tuk. Ive been reading lot of articles about this tuk-tuk cases and this is my opinion:
Tuk-tuk becomes more and more greedy and arrogant with tourist year after year
Patong police had not enough power to control them
K. Prab, influent and well know businessman in Patong, was ask by the Police to help by setting up an official taxi and tuk-tuk association
Police ask to K. Prab to be the representative of this association and the connecting person between Tuk-Tuk and Police so to have a door for communications between parties.
Tuk-Tuk drivers are not easy peoples to deal with and lot of compromises with Police have to be made (let them keep spaces in public parking, let them be over-present in Patong compared to regular taxi etc)
In exchange Tuk-Tuk drivers through the voice of K. Prab often tipped Police about various cases (terrorist and drugs cases)
I believe that without this association creates by K. Prab under Police request thinks could have been worst by now.
Anyway, as I say, this is my opinion. Now everything is in military hands and a legal case against K. Prab will soon start. The Law will tell how is right and how is wrong so please don't be so quick on judging people!
Posted by
Bernard
on
August 31, 2014 09:56
Interesting to see the comment by Bernard to be published. It's full of guesswork which the Ed said is unacceptable but this time it happens to be in favor of K. Prab so I guess that makes all the difference in the world.
So much for impartiality.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
August 31, 2014 11:41
Editor Comment:
Bernard's comment is based on his personal experience, which is precisely what we continue to seek. Your opinion has no value. We don't want valueless opinions - we ask for personal experiences and accurate information. As a harper, all you are concerned about is your opinion. That's sad.
Really ?
"Ive been reading lot of articles about this tuk-tuk cases and this is my opinion"
How is that "personal experience" or in any way different what I and many others try to post here ?
It is a well known fact that PW has been financially supported by the Pian family/business. Something the lead investigating police officer has gone on record describing as "The biggest Mafia in Phuket".
Like it or not, how you choose to handle and report this subject will be a litmus test of your and the integrity of PW.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
August 31, 2014 13:57
Editor Comment:
Only fools question our integrity. For a little while there, I figured you weren't one. But I admit it: I made a mistake.
The fact that you take as gospel every word reported by police only confirms my judgement.
Given your outrageous slur, your comments will no longer be posted here. Goodbye.
First time iv heard the tax inspectors on the job thus tax evasion being pursued most will owe years of unpaid revenue, when it involves the baht and their pockets now they will take it extremely serious not just a brief career interruption so tuks tuks have you honestly declared your yearly incomes and all tips and gratuities oh dear you have real problem now.
Posted by
slickmelb
on
August 31, 2014 15:55
I think they way you treat your readers is appaling. Look back over this thread and discover who was responsible for the undue rudeness and arrogance. You are losing the plot completely ed take a break.
Posted by
R.G.
on
August 31, 2014 16:32
Editor Comment:
I don't treat my readers with anything but the kindness and respect they deserve, RG. If you have nothing to add about the actual topic of the article, why bother? The reason you are here, reading Phuketwan, is because we never take a break. Do you complain about the air you breathe, and other services you enjoy for free? No? Then please forgive me, I really don't have time for this.
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The report mentions "Khun Prab, as one-time head of the largest group of taxis and tuk-tuks, is credited with reducing the conflict and violence that prevailed at the time" I've been living in Phuket for 10 years the as far as I can judge the violence and intimidation by the Tuk Tuk and taxi mafia has grown with each passing year with Khun Prab and his family
Posted by Paul on August 30, 2014 10:48
Editor Comment:
Cite a few recent cases, Paul, to show your viewpoint is based on facts, not imagination.