A violent altercation between two passenger van drivers erupted at the Ratsada Pier exit in Phuket. The incident, which was captured on video, circulated rapidly on social media yesterday, February 18, sparking widespread outrage.

 

The video footage revealed a heated exchange between the drivers that eventually escalated into a physical brawl. One driver was seen being kicked while he lay on the ground before other drivers intervened to separate the pair.

 

This event has reignited public anger over the aggressive behaviour of Phuket’s public transport drivers, as they are referred to by officials. This is not the first instance of such violence. A similar confrontation was reported at Bang Tao where taxi drivers from a particular queue threatened and intimidated a legally operating taxi driver who was not from their queue. This incident took place in front of a beach club at 2.30am on Saturday, February 17.

 

The Bang Tao incident was not an isolated one either. In December, taxi queue drivers near the Maya Beach Club assaulted a legal Grab taxi driver. This attack occurred only one day after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited Phuket. The 62 year old Thai prime minister was there to witness tourism safety demonstrations in Patong, where he emphasised the importance of safety in maintaining Phuket’s tourism image.

 

Phuket taxi drivers have long had a bad name. Only last month a TikTok user sparked a conversation about taxi services after posting a video showing an unusually high fare for a short journey.

 

The user, under the name namotasapakavato1, warned fellow passengers after a taxi ride from a BTS station to Rangsit became a cause for concern—not only did the driver bring along his wife, who sat in the front seat, but the taxi meter also skyrocketed to 105 baht for less than a kilometre.

 

Another incident last month was a Phuket-based taxi driver facing the looming threat of a 180-day suspension and potentially more severe consequences following accusations of inappropriately harassing a young female passenger.

 

The visibly shaken 20 year old student complained to the driver, Chuen Ochaphon, citing inappropriate advances during the journey. These advances included an invitation to his room and a proposition to become her monthly sponsor.

 

These recurring incidents of violence among transport drivers continue to tarnish Phuket’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. It remains to be seen how authorities will address this issue to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists alike. As it stands, the police are yet to release any updates on their investigations into these unsettling events.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Picture courtesy of Phuket News

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-19

 

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And it'll remain to be seen... for long

Before anything is done... there must be the sorting of the brown envelopes.

9 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This event has reignited public anger over the aggressive behaviour of Phuket’s public transport drivers, as they are referred to by officials

The public use a different name.

i remember reading this story a few weeks ago.

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

It remains to be seen how authorities will address this issue to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists alike.

Does it? 

So where is the Van? that is a salon car. More marvelous reporting. 

About time they sort out the Taxi Mafia, This maybe not easy as they have Friends in High places ,But they have to start somewhere.

4 hours ago, brianthainess said:

So where is the Van? that is a salon car. More marvelous reporting. 

I think this photo belongs in the previous Grab taxi intimidation report and the photo in that report belongs here. 

Strange, it's not like the sharp investigating reporters we are used to suddenly making a mistake😋 Probably the farang editor.😀