What Happened To The Pattaya Beach Bus?

[moo9]

I almost stopped using the Baht bus at night, because I am sick of the negotiation. I take motorcyle taxis almost all the time, however carefully look at the driver's state before jumping on :-) (at least as long as I am able to judge it....).

In day time and on standard routes Baht buses are fine though.

[TheEmperorOfTheNorth]

Baht buses are the most efficient/cheapest transport in Patters. No need for metered taxi(s) IMHO.

I agree.

Anyone still wanting taxi meters, go ask on the Chiang Mai forum what those are like in a place where they're not established like Bangkok.

In short, they're FAR WORSE than baht bus drivers.

I recently visited Pattaya and negotiations were either absent (just pay 10 baht), or took about 5 seconds. 'Bus station... 40..? 50..? 60...? ... ok 60? go.

And yes I know motorbikes would be cheaper. But I like baht buses. And most drivers are really quite alright. Just avoid the waiting around - hustling tourists crowd, just like you would with waiting meter taxis in Bangkok.. easy.

[Jingthing]

I specifically warned against doing it like Chiang Mai. BANGKOK is the model to follow for taxi meters.

The baht buses as charters are nothing like Bangkok taxi meters. For example, a trip that would cost 80 baht in Bangkok costs 300 baht here.

Note the baht bus defender is a VISITOR. Residents who don't have their own vehicle and depend on baht buses for all their transport know the real UGLY truth, and the vast majority of them support the idea of Bangkok style taxi meters as an OPTION and ADDITION to the baht buses as BUSES. Baht buses are good buses, they are lousy taxis.

Edited October 29, 2007 by Jingthing

[britmaveric]

Anyone with any sense knows the baht bus is the most convenient form of transport. Instead of whinging about it, why don't u be sensible and push for cheaper rates where u want to go. This would be the most logical approach because taxi(s) won't be around anytime soon.

[begsaresponse]

Speaking as one who lives in Pattaya I have not encoutered problems with Baht bus drivers.The wife has had one experience when our kids were out on holiday, her and the 3 of them from the top of Theprasit Road to soi 10 Theprasit= 40 baht. This driver was insisting on 80. One of the kids had already handed over 40 baht so the wife went with a hundred baht note in her hand asked for the forty back...guess he thought he was going to get the 100 as well...wrong! Wife handed him 20 baht and said we pay Thai rate as he was being gready.

Yes they chance their arm when you want them as a taxi...when they do we walk away. Usually we find one within the price we are prepared to pay. If we don't we walk home.

Have only been to Phuket once and from what I could see there were a lot less 'baht buses' than Pattaya, and a lot more expensive.

Those of us who live in Pattaya pays their money and takes their choice. Thankfully we are all different with different needs!

begs

[Jingthing]

Thats just great. Convenient comparing to Phuket which is so far away, rather than Bangkok which is just down the road.

So people think its really pleasant to have to constantly fight with greedy baht bus drivers over charter fares? You really think this is better than getting in a cab, having a reasonable flag rate, and reasonable time and distance rate, and RELAX? Even when you do well with a charter negotiation (very unlikely as they are incredibly stubborn and brutish) the fare will still be much higher for the distance as compared to Bangkok.

BTW, if you need evidence that the majority of people in Pattaya want the OPTION of using Bangkok style taxi meters, check out the clear results of this poll. Over 80 percent IN FAVOR:

<a href="http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;hl=poll+taxis" target="_blank">http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;hl=poll+taxis</a>

Edited October 30, 2007 by Jingthing

[kdf]

When I came to Thailand as a tourist, I even liked Tuk-Tuks.

The Baht buses are dangerous. They do not always wait for people to get on before they start rolling. I have had my pocket attempted to be picked once and picked another time but I jumped after the theif and got it back.

No harm no foul some might say. I don't.

I have had the same baht bus driver try to charge me double on the same route 2 different times in a week.

I have had spine and teeth rattled by these often shock and springless vehicles of the darkside.

I have on several occasions helped up elderly or frail folks from the floor where the horrid manners and driving skills of these drivers threw them.

I have had drunk tourists coat the bottom of the truck bed with their vomit.

How would passengers fare in an accident?

How many of the coughing and hacking passengers have the flu or TB?

I have enjoyed the sunset time beach road ride in the open air, but this changes as the exhaust fumes build near Walking Street.

It is difficult for me to understand how someone could prefer these to an enclosed, air con, seat belted, known fare metered taxi.

I am resigned to their presence, but would greatly like the option of an actual taxi.

kdf

[begsaresponse]

I didn't say I wouldn't prefer a proper taxi. I spoke about what my experience has been living in Pattaya in relation to the baht bus.

There are others who have had negative experiences.

I would have hoped that my perspective on it would at the very least be accepted as just that.

Instead of being slagged off!!

You know some people just need not to take comments personally. And accept that there are many and varied opinions about Pattaya that is just as valid as their own!

begs

[torrenova]

I also would like to see taxi meters for days when I don't want to drive. I detest the rapidly worsening attitude of the baht buses.

The other night, I wanted to come back from near Walking Street to Soi Khaotalo and the clowns were asking Bt250-350. At those prices I would have walked.

[Jingthing]

I am resigned to their presence, but would greatly like the option of an actual taxi.

As do 80 percent in the poll.

So what is stopping this?

The baht bus MAFIA.

[Pattaya_Fox]

I am resigned to their presence, but would greatly like the option of an actual taxi.

As do 80 percent in the poll.

So what is stopping this?

The baht bus MAFIA.

The word Mafia conjures up many dark aspects and for some people it leaves a vague and fearful impression when used. I have used baht busses for many years as have the local people of Pattaya and they have proved to be a great mode of transport both for the tourists and local people who use them in their thousands every day. This cheap and efficient mode of transport for local Thai people is essential for their mobility providing regular and efficient transport at a cost which is affordable for them.

The last thing that most people want to hear is this word Mafia banded about by certain individuals who for whatever reason are pushing an alternative form of transport. So listed below are the details of their published trading figures printed in the Pattaya Mail.

The introduction of Taxi Meters in Pattaya could well result in a similar situation as in other areas where the prices are very high and are difficult to negotiate. At least with the baht bus you can negotiate a price and then if not satisfied try another one.

Of course there are other altenatives and airconditioned cars are available from many outlets.

The Baht Bus Taxi co Ltd. had over 700 vehicles in the cooperative at the end of 2006 with 412 members.

For the year ending 31.12.2006 the company made a profit of 1.4m baht.

Baht buses make a profit of 1.4M baht

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Pattaya’s baht buses made a profit of 1.4 million baht last year, according to Jamlong Sukprom, chairman of the Pattaya Baht Bus Taxi Co Ltd, the cooperative under which all the drivers and vehicles work.

Jamlong was addressing the cooperative’s annual general meeting and the figure quoted was for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.

Officers from the Chonburi Traffic Department attended the meeting, as did Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and his advisor Itthipol Khunplome.

The meeting was held at the Town in Town Hotel on May 25. After the financial results were read out and a summary of the committee work reported, Jamlong said that each member of the cooperative would receive 50 baht for each taxi number, and a 100 baht dividend.

Isuzu presented jackets to the drivers to thank the cooperative for buying so many Isuzu trucks.

Jamlong said that currently there are 412 members with more than 700 baht buses. Capital for operations at the end of December 31, 2006 was 10,610,270.36 baht. This amount included a debt of 1,191,965.56 baht. The capital stock of 663,000 baht accumulated a capital of 4,819,887.40 baht, and a profit for the year of 1,405,779.88 baht was declared.

Pattaya Mail.

[Jingthing]

Baht buses are good buses.

They are lousy taxis.

More defenders of the mafia. They enforce their MONOPOLY of the taxi service by violence.

These buses only cover a very small percentage of the total metro Pattaya area: taxis are needed and wanted to cover the rest.

Whats the problem? You don't accept or believe that most of us WANT the alternative of Bangkok style taxi meters not owned by the baht bus mafia? What is behind this desire to stop people from having what they want? Having taxis and skytrain and metro in Bangkok did not do away with the low income oriented BUS service, now did it? Such fatalism! Its like we are asking for the Thais to go to Mars. We are asking for a reasonable taxi service, already well done in their capital.

News flash: the prices for baht bus mafia taxi charters are ALREADY very difficult to negotiate and they are exorbitant. The only solution is a regulated taxi meter service with required meter usage under law as it works superbly well in Bangkok. This fatalism and the acceptance of the total power of violent mafias (or monopolies if you prefer), does it happen to people who have been here too long?

As far as how much money the baht bus coop CLAIMS to have made, who cares and what difference does it make? When a driver extorts a Russian family, all the coop gets is the dues and the bus rent. The reality on the street is that a group of hooligans is preventing a civilized transport option here.

Edited October 30, 2007 by Jingthing

[Pattaya_Fox]

I feel that it is always better to balance the equation when you are talking about violence as indicated below;-

Cab Driver Nabbed for Tourist Assaults

TAXI driver who had assaulted four tourists—two of them seriously—on Samui has been arrested in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province where he had gone in hiding.

Korsak Jantharasena, 32, of Trang province, was presented to the press on Aug. 11, five days after the incident, by no less than the chief of the Southern Regional Tourist Police, Maj. Gen. Chuchart Suwannakhom, and Koh Samui Police chief Col. Chaiyuth Nilwong and Samui Tourist Police chief Maj. Sathaporn Sangaunsook.

He has been charged with assault, deliberately committing a crime, and using a deadly weapon in a public place.

Based on earlier police investigations, in the early morning of Aug. 6, Korsak allegedly attacked Christina Seredina, 26, of Uzbekistan and her companion Hori Frank Victor, 28, of France, and two other tourists who had come to their aid—Oliver Kyelie, 29, and Peter Zeger, 28, both of Belgium.

The two Belgians were seriously injured. Kyelie had a 25-cm cut at the left side of his neck that nearly hit the main blood vein, requiring an operation to save his life. Zeger had cut in the left hand that reached the tendon and bone. He was also wounded at his back.

The attack was the offshoot of an altercation between the taxi driver and Ms. Seredina and Victor over an exorbitant taxi fare.

Based on the police report, Victor and Seredina boarded a metered taxi in front of the Q Bar in Khao Hua Jook and asked to be taken to Malibu hotel.

Upon arrival, the taxi driver charged them Bt300, but the tourists protested, saying it was exorbitant.

They claimed the driver had not used the meter. In the ensuing altercation, an angry Korsak allegedly punched Seredina and then did the same on Victor. Kyelie and Zeger, who witnessed the attack, helped their fellow tourists. But the taxi driver took his 30-cm-long sword in his car and attacked the two men before speeding off.

Upon receiving the report of the attack on the four tourists, a police team from both the tourist police and general police departments launched a manhunt for the assailant whose taxi cab was later found parked in front of the 99 Inn in Bophut.

The taxi driver had reportedly left on a black Chevrolet car driven by someone who picked him up.

It was learned that Korsak had checked in at the hotel apparently to clean himself up.

It was reported that the taxi was rented from Ms. Kulanat Inkaew for Bt18,000 per month.

On questioning, Korsak claimed that Seredina and Victor had hired him for the trip to the Malibu hotel at the agreed rate of Bt300.

He said Seredina was drunk and verbally attacked him. He tried to ignore her, he said.

But when they arrived at the hotel, he said Seredina threw pieces of garbage into his car.

While he was taking the trash out of the cab, he claimed that Victor brought two other men to attack him.

He said he was forced to defend himself with the sword.

He said he escaped and stayed with relatives in Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

Regional tourist police chief Chuchart said he would seek measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

But the head of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, Seni Phuwasethwaorn, claimed that the assault involving a taxi driver was not the first to happen on Samui. Before that, he said, many tourists had been attacked by taxi drivers on the same issue of overcharging. He admitted that these incidents would affect tourism here badly.

Seni encouraged all concerned agencies to crack down on taxi drivers not using the meter.

Chuchart said he planned to meet taxi and songtaew drivers’ groups to discuss the problems of not using the meter and fare overcharging.

Meanwhile, the two Belgian victims said they held no grudges against the Thai people.

They thanked people who showed their concern when they were treated in Bangkok Hospital Samui for two days.

On the first day of their confinement, Phanu Woramit, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Southern Region, and Roengnam Jaikhang, head of the East Southern Hotels Association, presented the two tourists each with a “get-well-soon” bouquet and a certificate of commendation.

Kyelie and Zeger said that if they get a chance, they would bring their respective families to Samui for a visit. Kyelie said that incidents like what happened to them were done only by few people and that he still appreciated Thai kindness.

Both men left the country on the day they were released from the hospital.—With a report from Kik Sodsai

-----

More taxi assault cases pour in

IN the wake of the assault on four tourists by a taxi driver, a wave of similar cases has surfaced. Samui Express has learned from a source that about four days before the Aug. 6 assault, an Australian man was badly injured by a taxi driver and had to urdergo 32 stitches as a result.

Concerned local residents said they were distressed and embarrassed by the action and behavior of bad taxi drivers.

Recently it was also reported that a tourist couple were wounded after they were assaulted by a taxi driver who charged them Bt400 for a 300-meter ride from Green Mango disco in Chaweng to Bowling Square.

The couple had reportedly refused to pay the exorbitant fare. The driver reportedly took a sword to attack them before horrified tourists and local people. The action of the driver was so brazen since a police kiosk was located a mere 30 meters away.

Another related case is about a Swedish tourist who had to shell out Bt400 baht for the distance of 10 kilometers, which ordinarily would only be Bt75, while the cost of the gasoline consumed would only be Bt15.

Because the police seem not to tackle the problem head-on despite complaints, an anonymous “civic” group has threatened to forcibly remove the word “meter” from the cabs’ “taxi meter” sign for the sake of those who have been victimized by abusive drivers. The group said that taking off the sign would make foreigners realize that they are not charged by meter but through negotiation.

The group suggested that the Transportation Department should check taxies every six months to see if the meter reaches 3,600 kilometers. It said that if it doesn’t reach the number, chances are the driver did not use the meter. In this case, it added, the license for taxi service should be revoked.—Chat Anupan

Source Samui Express

[Jingthing]

Here we have criminal baht bus and moto "taxi" drivers aplenty. What is your point? Stay home?

There are risks in all transport, including walking or driving your own moto or car. We can't just say, this is the best of all possible worlds and believe it ...

Edited October 30, 2007 by Jingthing

[Pattaya_Fox]

Here we have criminal baht bus and moto "taxi" drivers aplenty. What is your point? Stay home?

I thought that my point was quite obvious. You stated that the so called baht bus Mafia were violent and I balanced the statement.

[Jingthing]

I am talking more of a presumed use of violence of the baht bus mafia to the introduction of real competition. The only way they will allow taxis here without violence is if they own and control them, and if it is done that way, it isn't worth bothering. as happened in Chiang Mai where they have corrupt overpriced service of drivers who won't use meters. The Bangkok way or no way.

This again proves we have a mafia here. They suppress real competition. They extort customers. The only way to get real competition is to give in to their corruption as happened in Chiang Mai. They are a formidable force and I understand those who have lost hope that they can be defeated. But I don't accept those who rationalize for them and defend them.

Edited October 30, 2007 by Jingthing

[britmaveric]

Thai(s) prefer the baht bus - why would they pay more than 5bht for a taxi to go to the same spot?

[Pattaya_Fox]

I am talking more of a presumed use of violence of the baht bus mafia to the introduction of real competition. The only way they will allow taxis here without violence is if they own and control them, and if it is done that way, it isn't worth bothering. as happened in Chiang Mai where they have corrupt overpriced service of drivers who won't use meters. The Bangkok way or no way.

Ah now please let me get this clear you are talking of a presumed use of violence. Presumptions can easily backfire on the presumer especialy when they are presuming something which will never happen.

I think that we should stick to the facts which we know:-

1 Chiang Mai metered taxi have corrupt and overpriced service of drivers who won`t use meters.(your words)

2 On Samui they have violent and extortion problems as outlined in the Samui express with taxi meter drivers.

Not presumptions merely facts.

[begsaresponse]

So why has 7 out of the last 46 posts on this thread been on topic - "What Happened TO The Pattaya Beach Bus?"

[Jingthing]

Chiang Mai taxis are controlled by the Chiang Mai baht bus company. That shows us the model NOT to follow. Nobody said baht buses aren't good as cheap buses for locals and tourists along the main routes. The other areas are not served by the buses. The coverage is awful.

What I find funny is that this problem, a totally inadequate and overpriced taxi system in Pattaya, is easily solvable. Just copy Bangkok. Its not like curing cancer or ending hunger. Yet, here are these intelligent people claiming it is impossible. I know they know it is not impossible. What I do think they are saying is that you cannot fight Thai corruption, and they are probably right, but please lets not act like the corruption that retards civic development is a GOOD thing. Its not. It stinks to high heaven.

Edited October 30, 2007 by Jingthing

[britmaveric]

So why has 7 out of the last 46 posts on this thread been on topic - "What Happened TO The Pattaya Beach Bus?"

hijacked by jingthing on his usual taxi meter crusade.

[Jingthing]

The original subject twist started not by me. It demanded a vigilant response.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1619880

Edited October 30, 2007 by Jingthing

[kdf]

Egad this has gotten silly.

Everyone put down your keyboards and stand in the corner for a time out..................................

................................................................................

......

OK

Saw the red beach bus going south on Jomtien beach road today. Actually had a good load of people on it.

I wish it good luck and will use whenever I can.

kdf

[edwardandtubs]

How regular are they? I still haven't seen one. I'm going to stand on Sukhumvit Road until one passes just to get on one of the dam_n things to try it out but I don't want to be standing for hours.

Edited October 30, 2007 by edwardandtubs

[begsaresponse]

How regular are they? I still haven't seen one. I'm going to stand on Sukhumvit Road until one passes just to get on one of the dam_n things to try it out but I don't want to be standing for hours.

Think you will have a long wait! Take a chair....

[kdf]

How regular are they? I still haven't seen one. I'm going to stand on Sukhumvit Road until one passes just to get on one of the dam_n things to try it out but I don't want to be standing for hours.

I have not used the beach bus for a month or so. However, they used to come (Red Bus) by Thappraya Rd every 8 to 20 minutes. The yellow bus was MUCH rarer.

They have regular stops and pickup places noted in their map, but will pick up or let off anywhere on their route, it appears.

If they had a more regular schedule, I would use them for much of my local travel.

kdf

[edwardandtubs]

I sat down at the bus stop on Sukhumvit Road and only had to wait a few minutes for a red bus to arrive. I was so impressed I forgot to get on!

[chris2155]

oh are you refering to the red bus that use to travel from jomtien beach through pattaya then the nakulia then back along the sukahumvit rd back to terminate at lotus jomtien, well if it is you query, i would susupect that is has gone belly up, why you might ask, well i suppose it is that they ran a thai bus company with thai ways at farang pricing which isn't a bad thing, for us foreigner's if we knew how the thai do business?? as they are not going to give you

1. time table (don't have)

2. bus route ( it changes every day)

3. no one to be able to explain where they go.

4. no one to explain where they have been.

5. no one to tell you when the next bus is due as they don't know themself.

6. don't know how many busses are running.

7. don't know if they will run tomorrow or not.

so it a system the thai use for the thai and that is why it fail, as we farang couldn't understand it all,

ps i'm sure the thai don't understand either.

one things for sure no info no customer.

tit

[Jingthing]

Yes, this bus could have a shot at working if they spend some money on a professional PR and info campaign, especially aimed at farang tourists and residents.

Pattaya needs an integrated mix of public transport options, including baht buses as buses and not as "taxis", bigger buses, and Bangkok style taxi meters.

Edited November 2, 2007 by Jingthing

[kdf]

Saw the red bus again last night, 2 times within an hour and I did not watch continuously.

kdf