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A tuk-tuk in Karon, where drivers monopolise parking space

Phuket Planners to Crunch Taxi, Tuk-Tuk Parking in Karon Streets

Wednesday, October 9, 2013
PHUKET: Authorities in the Phuket district of Karon - a stronghold for tuk-tuk and taxi drivers - aim to clear most of them off the streets, a meeting heard yesterday.

A four-point plan was now underway to bring the taxis and the tuk-tuks more under control of the Karon tessaban council, the gathering at the Land Transport office in Phuket City was told.

''We are adopting an idea from Hua Hin to reduce congestion on the roads and the footpaths,'' said the senior officer - or palad - of Karon, Werasak Anekwongsawat.

''Only three or four vehicles will remain parked in the streets at existing ranks. The rest will be waiting at a centre away from the main road, and be called in by walkie talkie as needed.''

Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers have previously rejected a suggestion from the Phuket Land Transport Department that they pioneer a call centre system for Phuket.

Reducing the number of vehicles in Karon's main roads would allow smoother flow of traffic, Khun Werasak said.

Taxi and tuk-tuk drivers were one of nine occupations that the local council oversaw. The occupations included jet-ski operators and beach vendors, he said, and were available only to Karon residents.

''All these groups have to register with us,'' he said. ''There are now four points we are introducing, in concert with Land Transport.''

Parking The aim is to clear the streets and have taxis and tuk-tuks that now occupy most available parking wait to be called to a rank.

Taxi Stands Chaotic and sometimes in public salas or under tents, with drivers using public electricity for tv and cooking facilities, and creating a bad image.

''They are doing it their way,'' Khun Werasak said. ''We want uniform stands and a better-looking outcome.''

Leaders Each taxi or tuk-tuk rank will have to appoint a leader and a deputy leader who will take responsibility for conveying information to their members, and for imposing regulations.

Signage Standard fares will have to be presented at each rank. Approval is pending from Phuket authorities to proposed standard boards that will publicise the fares.

''Once the new rules are in place, the drivers will be responsible for obeying them and will be arrested for violations,'' he said.

Comments

Comments have been disabled for this article.

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Have the DSI people finished their holiday on Phuket?

Posted by Pete on October 9, 2013 12:40

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Believe it when I see it. Like Central same guy is charge after all the talking, same at the airport, expensive touts with stops to sell accommodation etc......yawn. Ed before you verbally abuse me facts are facts. I don't agree but they are what they are.

Posted by Fiesty Farang on October 9, 2013 13:22

Editor Comment:

I have no interest in abusing you or other readers, FF. You are free to be as deluded as you wish.

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Just not aim. Do something about it.

Posted by nicky on October 9, 2013 13:42

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2 months have passed by and nothing is really changed, DSI talks alot but nothing is happend, its the same..

so mutch for all the people here thinking any big change

Posted by Mak on October 9, 2013 14:31

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Ed, all the comments so far are in agreement with myself, nothing has been done. Are we deluded? Ed sometimes it is better for one to keep quiet if one has nothing constructive to say. Your comment makes no sense.

Posted by Fiesty Farang on October 9, 2013 14:40

Editor Comment:

FF, I've said this before but you clearly have trouble absorbing information: the readers who comment do not necessarily represent the vast majority who keep their thoughts to themselves. Nor is a majority necessarily in the right. The bottom line is that, sooner or later, change is inevitable. It may be brought about proactively or it may come about when the false economics of Phuket collapse. But it is inevitable. That's why you are delusional.

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"Ed, all the comments so far are in agreement with myself"

A reason may be that some people, like myself, get tired of answering people who keep repeating the same mantra: 'nothing has been done and nothing will be done'. The have repeated it so much they believe it, but that does not make it true nor the way forward.

Posted by stevenl on October 9, 2013 15:11

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Wanted:

Online news site editor. GSOH essential!

Posted by phonus balonus on October 9, 2013 15:20

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Yeah, goodluck with this.

Why don't they publish fares on each tuk tuk?

Posted by NomadJoe on October 9, 2013 19:34

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For reference sake most rides in a tuk tuk in Hua Hin are 100-150 baht. Hua Hin is an upscale town and the cost of living is just as high as Phuket. The difference is that the bloat caused by corruption is not as severe. The tuk tuk drivers of Hua Hin are polite, sober and helpful. Many of the drivers sit around waiting for a fare, but it is a rarity to be pestered by the drivers. There is also a cap on the numbers of taxis & tuk tuks. Illegal transport vehicles are not tolerated. It would take a miracle or local officials with a commitment to doing the right thing to transform Phuket into the Hua Hin format. I love Hua Hin. It is a relatively safe place, farang friendly and one of Thailand's best places to visit.

Posted by Ryan on October 10, 2013 07:49

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Only intervention of the UN troops can crunch them. Nobody else!

Posted by Stranger on October 11, 2013 00:24

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@Ed change is indeed inevitable, but what that change will be reamins to be seen! It could, on reflection of recent history, become worse.

Posted by paul on October 11, 2013 08:35

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Stranger

UN troops? Not a good example, they are usually the lamest of the lame. Usually becoming observers/spectators when the worst possible atrocities or even genocide takes place. They are weak-willed cowards, just like the UN itself.

Posted by christian on October 11, 2013 09:40


Thursday March 28, 2024
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

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