PHUKET: Four tuk-tuk drivers accused of obstructing traffic in a Patong blockade are now deciding whether to admit their sin and pay a fine or face a court hearing that will decide their guilt or innocence.
The four surrendered to police one day last week after Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong told Patong's tuk-tuk leaders that it would be wise if they gave themselves up.
Major General Pekad said police knew their identities from security camera footage of the blockade, which occurred in Rat U Tit 200 Pi, a key route in Patong's one-way system, early on August 1.
Lieutenant Colonel Kittipong Klaikaew of Kathu Police Station, which oversees Patong, said today that the four drivers were deciding whether to admit their guilt and face a fine of up to 2000 baht, or have the matter proceed to court.
It is not known whether questions are also being asked about the incident that led to the blockade.
Two young Dutch tourists became involved in a dispute with a tuk-tuk driver at the inland end of Soi Bangla, Phuket's famous night walking strip. The tuk-tuk driver demanded 1000 baht for damage to his vehicle, but the young men refused to pay.
When police arrived on the scene, an officer who was new to Patrong and unused to brawls involving tuk-tuk drivers and expats. He drew his gun in an attempt to restore peace, at which point the tuk-tuk drivers blockaded the road in protest at his action.
It is believed that the young tourists did not lodge a complaint with police, although one suffered a head injury. Complaints by tourists to police sometimes bring counter-suits, which can delay tourists on Phuket in court hearings that run beyond their scheduled departure date.
In his talk with the tuk-tuk representatives on August 15, Major General Pekad said that road blockades of any kind by any group would no longer be tolerated, anywhere on Phuket.
Blockades have been used most recently by taxi drivers at Phuket's east coast deep sea port to win their case for a larger share of passengers from cruise ships, although some of the cruise line companies may opt to visit ports other than Phuket as a consequence of the standoff.
Other blockades have occurred in local squabbles from time to time. Major General Pekad said that people with a grievance were welcome to protest at Phuket Police Headquarters in Phuket City instead of blockading the roads.
The activities of jet-ski scamsters and tuk-tuk drivers who press their transport monopoly on Phuket resorts are likely to be raised when Phuket's honorary consuls meet with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha in their three-monthly ''summit'' on Wednesday.
The four surrendered to police one day last week after Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong told Patong's tuk-tuk leaders that it would be wise if they gave themselves up.
Major General Pekad said police knew their identities from security camera footage of the blockade, which occurred in Rat U Tit 200 Pi, a key route in Patong's one-way system, early on August 1.
Lieutenant Colonel Kittipong Klaikaew of Kathu Police Station, which oversees Patong, said today that the four drivers were deciding whether to admit their guilt and face a fine of up to 2000 baht, or have the matter proceed to court.
It is not known whether questions are also being asked about the incident that led to the blockade.
Two young Dutch tourists became involved in a dispute with a tuk-tuk driver at the inland end of Soi Bangla, Phuket's famous night walking strip. The tuk-tuk driver demanded 1000 baht for damage to his vehicle, but the young men refused to pay.
When police arrived on the scene, an officer who was new to Patrong and unused to brawls involving tuk-tuk drivers and expats. He drew his gun in an attempt to restore peace, at which point the tuk-tuk drivers blockaded the road in protest at his action.
It is believed that the young tourists did not lodge a complaint with police, although one suffered a head injury. Complaints by tourists to police sometimes bring counter-suits, which can delay tourists on Phuket in court hearings that run beyond their scheduled departure date.
In his talk with the tuk-tuk representatives on August 15, Major General Pekad said that road blockades of any kind by any group would no longer be tolerated, anywhere on Phuket.
Blockades have been used most recently by taxi drivers at Phuket's east coast deep sea port to win their case for a larger share of passengers from cruise ships, although some of the cruise line companies may opt to visit ports other than Phuket as a consequence of the standoff.
Other blockades have occurred in local squabbles from time to time. Major General Pekad said that people with a grievance were welcome to protest at Phuket Police Headquarters in Phuket City instead of blockading the roads.
The activities of jet-ski scamsters and tuk-tuk drivers who press their transport monopoly on Phuket resorts are likely to be raised when Phuket's honorary consuls meet with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha in their three-monthly ''summit'' on Wednesday.
No doubt there will be a lot of comments about how the tuk tuk cartels and the jet ski scammers are having a detrimental effect on tourism. My question is, are they? I've been to Phuket four times in the last five years and the numbers don't seem to be any smaller in Patong and there are still a hell of a lot of people using jest skis and riding in tuk tuks. Have the tourist numbers dropped at all or is the fact that they haven't dropped the reason why nothing seems to be done about these problems?
Posted by Pete on August 28, 2011 10:18