PHUKET: Local bus owners staged a protest today at Central Festival intersection in Phuket City over the increasing number of off-island buses being used to transport tourists.
The bus owners dangled a sign from a footbridge near the intersection.
Local owners say too many private buses from off Phuket are being hired, especially by Chinese tour groups.
The Phuket Director of Tourism and Sport, Santi Palai, thought that the problem had been resolved in a round of talks with the Phuket bus owners.
He told them the agents booking buses needed reassurance that the vehicles and everyone on board was properly insured.
Given today's unusual protest, it's not clear whether the Phuket owners are prepared to meet the standards and compete or whether they hope to achieve a deal based on their Phuket residency.
Phuketwan believes all large buses except those on regular interprovincial runs should be banned from Phuket.
A mini-van only island would resolve some problems associated with slow traffic, frequent breakdowns and unwanted dangers on the island's hilly roads.
The bus owners dangled a sign from a footbridge near the intersection.
Local owners say too many private buses from off Phuket are being hired, especially by Chinese tour groups.
The Phuket Director of Tourism and Sport, Santi Palai, thought that the problem had been resolved in a round of talks with the Phuket bus owners.
He told them the agents booking buses needed reassurance that the vehicles and everyone on board was properly insured.
Given today's unusual protest, it's not clear whether the Phuket owners are prepared to meet the standards and compete or whether they hope to achieve a deal based on their Phuket residency.
Phuketwan believes all large buses except those on regular interprovincial runs should be banned from Phuket.
A mini-van only island would resolve some problems associated with slow traffic, frequent breakdowns and unwanted dangers on the island's hilly roads.
I would guess that Phuket based buses are not competitive. What is it about Thai people and competition? They just don't seem to like it.
On the other hand, if only Phuket buses were used for these tour groups then perhaps they could control the ever-increasing numbers of these buses on the island.
Posted by Steve on September 8, 2015 13:38