PHUKET: The number of illegal tuk-tuks operating on Phuket's west coast has grown to about 100, the Damrungtam Phuket complaints office was told yesterday.
Nothing had been done to fix the problem since about 200 legal tuk-tuk drivers staged a protest in parkland opposite Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City on June 26, Damrungtam officials were told.
Phuket's Land Transport Department had promised a crackdown, said tuk-tuk drivers yesterday, but instead the problem had grown worse.
''Instead of 50 or 60 illegal tuk-tuks, there are now about 100,'' one of yesterday's delegation said.
The illegal tuk-tuks are undercutting the business of registered legal tuk-tuks in Patong and Kata-Karon, Damrungtam officials were told.
Back in June, protesters questioned whether bribes were being paid to allow the illegal tuk-tuks to function without interference.
Yesterday's complaint is to be passed on quickly to Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada, who takes charge of Phuket's transport-related issues.
The drivers warned that unless there was ''justice'' within 15 days, they would be forced to take further action.
Nothing had been done to fix the problem since about 200 legal tuk-tuk drivers staged a protest in parkland opposite Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City on June 26, Damrungtam officials were told.
Phuket's Land Transport Department had promised a crackdown, said tuk-tuk drivers yesterday, but instead the problem had grown worse.
''Instead of 50 or 60 illegal tuk-tuks, there are now about 100,'' one of yesterday's delegation said.
The illegal tuk-tuks are undercutting the business of registered legal tuk-tuks in Patong and Kata-Karon, Damrungtam officials were told.
Back in June, protesters questioned whether bribes were being paid to allow the illegal tuk-tuks to function without interference.
Yesterday's complaint is to be passed on quickly to Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada, who takes charge of Phuket's transport-related issues.
The drivers warned that unless there was ''justice'' within 15 days, they would be forced to take further action.
Funny how they cant fix this problem - wouldnt it be a novel idea to confiscate any car caught as being an illegal taxi - clearly the fine is not a deterrent.
Posted by Ciaran on September 6, 2013 07:59