I don't understand Phuket, I don't really like it here....

[billythehat]

5 hours ago, hydraides said:

 

expensive even though they're still a bare fraction of what they'd cost in the West

 

Not really anymore , 400 baht = £10

I could get a 1 hour massage in the UK for £30.

 

Anywhere even without comparing I would not want to spend £30 on a massage in the UK, And I would think twice about getting a massage here in thailand regularly (once a week) if its going to cost £10....

 

I am just comparing Phuket to other places in Thailand and asking what privilege does Phuket have to charge extra?

 

Phuket Dairy Queen in central festival in Phuket town charges 45 baht for a medium kit kat

Dairy Queen in Terminal 21 in Asok charges 40 baht

 

I would hazard a guess that dairy queen in terminal 21 pays higher rent. 

 

So why on earth does everything in phuket have to be 10-50% high price. It makes no sense......

 

 

 

 

 

Guv, the best you’re gonna get for 30 quid in the UK would be the same thrill one would get if when reposed on an old smell plastic mattress expecting a svelte lovely to step through the curtain, ya granny staggers in clutching a rubber hot water bottle, a length of plastic tubing and starts barking orders in German. You forgot the advantage of getting a massage from a dear old Thai lass and that is you’re unlikely to get a boner and therefore no need to tip big for the happy ending; everyone a winner. Massage is very cheap in Lalaland and if you’re lucky enough to find a good quality Thai masseur you’ll not find the same outside of the kingdom. I’ve had traditional Chinese massage and it’s also very good but with the downside that Chinese people tend to hate everyone equally which doesn’t help with the relaxation part. My Thai rattly-cart loves chocolate but always complains that it’s expensive and not good quality in Lalaland – meaning bring her some Swiss chocolate. I duly due this but as the goodies start to melt leaving the winter climes of northern Europe and seeing the possible waste, I dob in and scoff half the box. I explain that they had melted when I hand over what is left but she points out what looks like a chocolate stain on my lower lip but I quickly parry the inquisition by saying I have a cold sore. There’s just no pleasing some people.

[NamKangMan]

 

Welcome to "The Democratic People's Republic of Phuket."  ????

 

The higher prices is known as "The Phuket Tax."  ????

 

"Tuk-Tuk. Tuk-Tuk."  ????

[LivinginKata]

8 minutes ago, NamKangMan said:

 

Welcome to "The Democratic People's Republic of Phuket."  ????

 

The higher prices is known as "The Phuket Tax."  ????

 

"Tuk-Tuk. Tuk-Tuk."  ????

 

Tuk Tuks are just one item in the list of higher prices compared with the rest of Thailand.

 

But NKM you must admit that there has been great progress with public bus from Airport to Rawai and the beach night bus. Plenty meter taxis, just need to press them to switch on meter, and Grab Taxi app. 

[Psimbo]

1 hour ago, LivinginKata said:

 

Tuk Tuks are just one item in the list of higher prices compared with the rest of Thailand.

 

But NKM you must admit that there has been great progress with public bus from Airport to Rawai and the beach night bus. Plenty meter taxis, just need to press them to switch on meter, and Grab Taxi app. 

You know he's a One Trick Pony!

[NamKangMan]

On 12/17/2018 at 3:37 PM, LivinginKata said:

 

Tuk Tuks are just one item in the list of higher prices compared with the rest of Thailand.

 

But NKM you must admit that there has been great progress with public bus from Airport to Rawai and the beach night bus. Plenty meter taxis, just need to press them to switch on meter, and Grab Taxi app. 

 

Transport is an essential service, especially so in a tourist destination, and the transport mafia raped tourist for decades here.  In many cases, tourists were paying more for transport, than their accommodation and F & B, thus, the majority of tourists to Phuket now are in coach buses.  The lack of proper public transport here went a long way to changing the tourist demographic on Phuket.

 

The transport you mention, whilst an improvement, in my opinion, is too little, too late. 

 

Transport was Phuket's number one issue for decades, and only now, in harsh times, do they allow some token transport to operate.  

[NamKangMan]

On 12/17/2018 at 5:12 PM, Psimbo said:

You know he's a One Trick Pony!

 

Still waiting for an answer to the question I asked you in another thread, Psimbo.

 

Question:  Name one positive thing that have been implemented on Phuket, in recent times, for the benefit of tourists, expats, and locals? 

 

Shouldn't be too hard for you to come up with some examples.  Just put those rose colored glasses on.  ????

 

 

Edited December 19, 2018 by NamKangMan

[LivinginKata]

15 minutes ago, NamKangMan said:

<snip>

The transport you mention, whilst an improvement, in my opinion, is too little, too late. 

 

Transport was Phuket's number one issue for decades, and only now, in harsh times, do they allow some token transport to operate.  

 

Fair comment. But it at last small small progress ... baby steps 

[NamKangMan]

2 minutes ago, LivinginKata said:

 

Fair comment. But it at last small small progress ... baby steps 

 

You would know I am very vocal on the transport issue on this forum, particularly as it has caused Phuket to have some of the most dangerous roads in the world -FACT, not my opinion. 

 

The transport mafia here have indirectly killed thousands over the years - yes, thousands. 

 

Everyone needs access to a vehicle on Phuket, or you will end up a victim of the transport criminals, hence, the traffic is bad on Phuket, with the flow on effect in parking, noise and air pollution, accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

 

In my opinion, the transport issue was the single biggest issue that went a long way to changing the tourist demographics on Phuket.  Many tourists complained about it, for years.  We all saw the photos of beaten up tourists, at the hands of tuk-tuk drivers.

 

With regards to the transport issue, Phuket didn't need "baby steps."  Phuket needed a "big stick" approach, and it should have came with the military coup, but didn't.

 

No one was asking for state of the art transport, just the same transport options that existed elsewhere in Thailand.  Nothing more, nothing less.  However, it was just too lucrative ripping off tourists for this essential service, so allowed to continue, to the detriment of the tourism industry here. 

[LivinginKata]

20 minutes ago, NamKangMan said:

<snip>

The transport mafia here have indirectly killed thousands over the years - yes, thousands. 

 

 

Thousands ? Over the years ? I think you are exaggerate dramatically ...

[NamKangMan]

11 hours ago, LivinginKata said:

 

Thousands ? Over the years ? I think you are exaggerate dramatically ...

 

Exaggerating?  Really?

 

Do the maths, LIK. 

 

Approximately 150 to 200 people die on Phuket's roads each year.  For how long has the transport mafia been operating here????  How many years ago did the 200 baht minimum tuk-tuk journey collusion come in????  Remember, the minimum average daily wage here is 300 baht, and it's 200 baht just to get in the back of a tuk-tuk, with no air conditioning, no seat belts, no proper seating.

 

Taking an average of 175 deaths per year, that only 5.7 years to get into the "thousands."  Once again, how long has the transport mafia been pushing locals, expats, and tourists, onto motor scooters, and into cars????  

 

Once we hit four digits, than it can be described as being in the "thousands."

 

The baht bus system in Pattaya moves around locals, expats, and tourists, and at 10 baht a journey, a return fare it cheaper than the cost of parking your motorbike, but such a service does not exist here, so, people use their own transport.

 

Look at the death percentage involving alcohol in the article.  How many of these people may have caught proper public transport home, if it existed here, thus, still being alive today???? 

 

Here's a random archived article. (2015)

 

https://www.thephuketnews.com/it-official-phuket-worst-in-thailand-for-road-accidents-53869.php#BjbljsiIhS3WJzmq.97

 

Extracts:               

 

“According to statistics, the number of people in Phuket injured in traffic accidents is 4,952.55 per 100,000 and the death toll in Phuket is 72.04 per 100,000,” he said.

 

“About 30.63 per cent of these deaths and injuries are from alcohol-related accidents.”

 

 

[Psimbo]

19 minutes ago, NamKangMan said:

Snip

 

The baht bus system in Pattaya moves around locals, expats, and tourists, and at 10 baht a journey, a return fare it cheaper than the cost of parking your motorbike, but such a service does not exist here, so, people use their own transport.

 

 

Lets try this one more time- Phuket is an ISLAND, Pattaya is a CITY. Apples and oranges (or Durians and Coconuts if you prefer).

[Vacuum]

On 12/16/2018 at 9:25 AM, hydraides said:

Why does Phuket get to charge 10/20% higher everything than rest of Thailand

Is that a typo? Should be 100/200%.

[NamKangMan]

2 hours ago, Psimbo said:

Lets try this one more time- Phuket is an ISLAND, Pattaya is a CITY. Apples and oranges (or Durians and Coconuts if you prefer).

 

Let's try this one more time, indeed.

 

Pattaya has a beach.  Jomtien (Pattaya) has a beach.  Patong (Phuket) has a beach.  Kata (Phuket) has a beach.

 

Pattay Beach to Jomtian Beach - 10 baht.

 

Patong Beach to Kata Beach - last time I asked was 400 baht by day, and 800 baht by night.  Apples to Apples.  Oranges to Oranges (or Phuket transport mafia price gouging and an affordable transport system that moves thousands of locals, tourists, and expats, 24/7, if you prefer)  Yes, coconuts, indeed.  ????

 

Have you even been to Pattaya and / or hailed a baht bus????????

 

As far as Pattaya being a city and Phuket being an island.  I have said before, as Pattaya became a city by the sea, Phuket will become an island city. 

 

I'll even make it more simple for you, since we are comparing "like to like." 

 

Get a Phuket tuk-tuk from one end of Patong Beach Road to the other end, and the price is in the hundreds of baht.  Get a Pattaya baht bus from one end of Pattaya Beach road to the other end, and it's a flat 10 baht.  Get it????  How would you explain this to tourists who have been to Pattaya before, and are checking out Phuket for the first time????

 

You seem to think tourists want to get a tuk-tuk from one end of the island to the other.  In general, by day, tourists just want to go from their hotel to the beach, markets, shopping, restaurants etc, then back to they hotel.  Then, by night, from their hotel to the nightlife, and back to their hotel. 

[steelepulse]

2 hours ago, NamKangMan said:

 

Let's try this one more time, indeed.

 

Pattaya has a beach.  Jomtien (Pattaya) has a beach.  Patong (Phuket) has a beach.  Kata (Phuket) has a beach.

 

Pattay Beach to Jomtian Beach - 10 baht.

 

Patong Beach to Kata Beach - last time I asked was 400 baht by day, and 800 baht by night.  Apples to Apples.  Oranges to Oranges (or Phuket transport mafia price gouging and an affordable transport system that moves thousands of locals, tourists, and expats, 24/7, if you prefer)  Yes, coconuts, indeed.  ????

 

Have you even been to Pattaya and / or hailed a baht bus????????

 

As far as Pattaya being a city and Phuket being an island.  I have said before, as Pattaya became a city by the sea, Phuket will become an island city. 

 

I'll even make it more simple for you, since we are comparing "like to like." 

 

Get a Phuket tuk-tuk from one end of Patong Beach Road to the other end, and the price is in the hundreds of baht.  Get a Pattaya baht bus from one end of Pattaya Beach road to the other end, and it's a flat 10 baht.  Get it????  How would you explain this to tourists who have been to Pattaya before, and are checking out Phuket for the first time????

 

You seem to think tourists want to get a tuk-tuk from one end of the island to the other.  In general, by day, tourists just want to go from their hotel to the beach, markets, shopping, restaurants etc, then back to they hotel.  Then, by night, from their hotel to the nightlife, and back to their hotel. 

>>Patong Beach to Kata Beach - last time I asked was 400 baht by day, and 800 baht by night. 

 

How much is the "smart bus" that runs between Patong and Kata? Looks like it's 50 baht.   https://phuketsmartbus.com/fare/

[phuketrichard]

On 12/16/2018 at 7:09 PM, cyril sneer said:

the only thing I found too expensive in Phuket since I last visited was the airport to hotel taxi, with no option of a mini bus or normal bus 

 

lived in rawai for 6000 a month, equivalent to a new hotel room but needed my own bed sheets

 

motorbike rent 3500

 

this was 3 years ago though

NEW air con shuttle bus runs between the airport an Rawai passing thru all the beach towns.

Max Charge 170 baht!!!
between Karon and Patong less than  50 baht vs 500 for a tuktuk

[NamKangMan]

4 hours ago, steelepulse said:

>>Patong Beach to Kata Beach - last time I asked was 400 baht by day, and 800 baht by night. 

 

How much is the "smart bus" that runs between Patong and Kata? Looks like it's 50 baht.   https://phuketsmartbus.com/fare/

 

Is ok to go between the beaches by day, but the last run is at 8:15pm. 

 

No good for those staying on another beach, and who want to experience the nightlife in Patong.  They are at the mercy of the transport mafia after the last bus. 

 

Still, better than nothing, but in my opinion, too little, too late, and hardly enough to lure back even a portion of Phuket's lost western tourist market. 

[marqus12]

4 hours ago, phuketrichard said:

NEW air con shuttle bus runs between the airport an Rawai passing thru all the beach towns.

Max Charge 170 baht!!!
between Karon and Patong less than  50 baht vs 500 for a tuktuk

it's a ghostbus, not many people know about its existence
few people know its route and arrival time
whenever I see this bus it's EMPTY... penang airport to georgetown 30 baht

Edited December 20, 2018 by marqus12

[LivinginKata]

28 minutes ago, NamKangMan said:

 

Is ok to go between the beaches by day, but the last run is at 8:15pm. 

 

No good for those staying on another beach, and who want to experience the nightlife in Patong.  They are at the mercy of the transport mafia after the last bus. 

 

Still, better than nothing, but in my opinion, too little, too late, and hardly enough to lure back even a portion of Phuket's lost western tourist market. 

 

There is an all night bus Kata Noi to Kamala

[LivinginKata]

1 minute ago, marqus12 said:

it's a bus ghost, not many people know about its existence
few people know its route and arrival time
whenever I see this bus it's EMPTY... penang airport to georgetown 30 baht

 

Not from what I see. Becoming popular. Took some time. There is a tracking App. Can see when bus is arriving.  Sure needs some computer savvy but plenty folks plugged in to new tech. Same with the Grab Taxi App.

[Psimbo]

3 hours ago, marqus12 said:

it's a ghostbus, not many people know about its existence
few people know its route and arrival time
whenever I see this bus it's EMPTY... penang airport to georgetown 30 baht

Complete BS- there was one at the lights in Kamala today and it was standing room only.

 

This is a Phuket thread, NOT a Penang one by the way- the distances are completely different for a start.

[balo]

Good to hear it's getting better in Phuket regarding transport, 50 baht and 170 baht is not too bad.  I have never been there since I do not likr to get ripped off, and I like Pattaya too much .  But maybe a weekend trip in the future if I can avoid the tuktuk mafia.  

 

[Old Croc]

13 hours ago, NamKangMan said:

 

Is ok to go between the beaches by day, but the last run is at 8:15pm. 

 

No good for those staying on another beach, and who want to experience the nightlife in Patong.  They are at the mercy of the transport mafia after the last bus. 

 

Still, better than nothing, but in my opinion, too little, too late, and hardly enough to lure back even a portion of Phuket's lost western tourist market. 

Phuket Smart Bus Night Run

Phuket Smart Bus that goes between beaches will run every hour until 2 am between Kata – Karon – Patong – Kamala for 150 baht per person.

[phuketrichard]

13 hours ago, LivinginKata said:

 

Not from what I see. Becoming popular. Took some time. There is a tracking App. Can see when bus is arriving.  Sure needs some computer savvy but plenty folks plugged in to new tech. Same with the Grab Taxi App.

I used it between the airport and kamala r/t back in oct. only took 10minutes more than me driving and saved a bundle..

[NamKangMan]

1 hour ago, Old Croc said:

Phuket Smart Bus Night Run

Phuket Smart Bus that goes between beaches will run every hour until 2 am between Kata – Karon – Patong – Kamala for 150 baht per person.

 

I was going on the link SP posted. 

 

 https://phuketsmartbus.com/fare/

 

Can you post a link for the timetable between 8:15pm and 2am? 

[NamKangMan]

10 hours ago, Psimbo said:

Complete BS- there was one at the lights in Kamala today and it was standing room only.

 

This is a Phuket thread, NOT a Penang one by the way- the distances are completely different for a start.

 

I hope the bus has "standing room only" for every route, and every time.  ????

 

Will be interesting if they are allowed to add more buses, and more routes, in the future. 

[Old Croc]

https://www.phuket101.net/how-to-ride-phuket-bus/

Buses leave from either end of the route on the hour.

 

This was also publicized on one of the daily media rags at the time.

Edited December 21, 2018 by Old Croc

[NamKangMan]

18 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

https://www.phuket101.net/how-to-ride-phuket-bus/

Buses leave from either end of the route on the hour.

 

This was also publicized on one of the daily media rags at the time.

 

Thanks.  Yes, this link shows hourly buses to 2am. 

 

I will pass it on and will try the night service to and from Kata in the near future. 

 

I hope the service gets bigger and bigger and forces change here.

 

 

[UASCB500BIKER]

Great information,, I stay in Pattaya !!!!

[Old Croc]

14 minutes ago, UASCB500BIKER said:

Great information,, I stay in Pattaya !!!!

I think that would be a much better fit for you.

[NamKangMan]

4 hours ago, UASCB500BIKER said:

Great information,, I stay in Pattaya !!!!

 

You wouldn't be the first person the lack of transport here has repelled, and I am sure you will not be the last.