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The original tuk-tuk protest in June is continuing on Phuket

Illegal Tuk-Tuk Drivers Killing Our Business, Say Phuket Protesters

Friday, September 6, 2013
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.

Comments

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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

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I do not believe this undercutting nonsense, none of these will negotiate prices to a sensible level.

Posted by paul on September 6, 2013 09:28

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Ahh they can't hack the fact the illegal tuk tuk might just be charging a fair price. Diddums boys

Posted by Mick.s on September 6, 2013 09:48

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The 'kid gloves' have been well & truly removed. Public threats seem to be becoming commonplace. Physical violence appears on the increase. It's every man for himself now thanks to the lowest low season in recent memory.

TAT & whoever is more than partly responsible for encouraging the influx of 'zero baht' tourists.

'More tourists = less money' is bad arithmetic.

Posted by Logic on September 6, 2013 12:20

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"The illegals are undercutting us" - boo hoo. And just what do they propose to do if they don't get "justice"?
I really hope this escalates and forces the authorities to sort these thugs out once and for all.

Posted by jimbo on September 6, 2013 13:30

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@jimbo

Which thugs? The legal tuk-tuk drivers that charge an arm and a leg, or, the illegal tuk-tuk drivers that only charge an arm?

Posted by sir burr on September 6, 2013 14:24


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