Tuk-tuk Stand Off In Karon

[markg]

What would be their next step, stopping all people leaving the hotel and giving them the third degree on where they are going?

It already happens. My Dad came here twice and stayed in 5 star hotels both times. He said what put him off was the hassle he got. Whilst sitting in the grounds of the hotel, by their pool, dad was constantly asked by hotel massage girls if he wanted a massage. Secondly, immediately upon leaving the hotel there is a 'pool' of taxi drivers outside. Dad was constantly asked and harassed about where he was going and did he need a taxi. It really put my dad off coming back here. He has stayed in nice hotels all over the world and said he just doesnt expect this kind of aggravation when he is trying to relax. I only post this story to highlight the differences between cultures and attitudes. My dad thinks it's wrong, the Thai management of the hotel presumably think it's ok. My dad hasnt been back.

With regard to comments about the Governor. Sad to say that i hear he has to retire next year due to his age - which is a real shame because on the face of it, he appears to be doing some good. Poll after exit poll, year after year, and the results clearly show what annoys tourists. Rip-offs, tuk tuks and jet skis. The governor of Phuket knows fine and well which side the bread is buttered on, and the cancer that is tuk-tuk rip offs needs cutting out. A poster mentioned tuk tuk prices in Bkk and Chiang Mai. In both those cities you will see Thai people in tuk-tuks. Frequently. It is rightfully seen as a mode of transport. Yet in Phuket, you rarely see Thai passengers in tuk-tuks. Here it appears to be seen as a quirky, 'cultural' mode of transport for tourists only. Like an elephant ride is.

It is doubtful that the tuk-tuk mafia; and it is a mafia, can be broken by the Governor in his last remaining year in office. There is just too much money involving too many people. The man would have a price put on his head.

My honest suggestions would be 3-fold. A phased out cutting down of the tuk-tuk fleet with appropriate compensation - in the same way fishing fleets were cut down in Europe to stop over-fishing. Have a set number of licences for all Phuket tuk-tuks and that then limit the numbers.

Secondly, put meters in them and let the Governors office set the tariff, (certainly in the UK taxi fares are set at local authority level - and i think they are in Bkk too?)

Thirdly, a small amount of education is needed. Lesson 1. How do you know when a 'farang' wants a taxi? A. because he is standing at the side of the road, looking at you, with his arm raised up a bit. or B. he is walking away from you, holding hands with his girlfriend and needs you to kerb-crawl along side him tooting your horn shouting tuk-tuk. or C. He has just got off his motorcycle and is stowing his helmet so clearly needs a tuk tuk for the last part of his journey.

Unfortunately, the Don of the Karon mafia has previously stated that 'there are not enough tuk tuks in Phuket' when they asked for the numbers to be increased, AND has said 'meters are not the answer'.

I'm not sure he has been asked about 'education' of drivers........

[LivinLOS]

I only post this story to highlight the differences between cultures and attitudes. My dad thinks it's wrong, the Thai management of the hotel presumably think it's ok. My dad hasnt been back.

A good point on either a cultural difference or perhaps a issue where Thais will not interfere with other Thais in the process of attempting to make money from Farangs.

Case in point, beggars, hustlers, sellers, etc hustling people in restaurants while eating.. I am sometimes a bit of a soft touch, and despite being told not to encourage (what I am assured and once witnessed) are organised professional beggars managed by others, I tend to drop change and small notes on them as I think selfishly its lucky for me, then you get the pretend waily blind guy (watch his feet, blind guy never puts a foot wrong) who in some ways blackmails bars by being a noise until paid to go on, the dragon costume dancers (do they ever dance ??), the fake monks, etc etc etc.. So theres this whole little army of different collectors at work in Patong / Nanai area. Now most Thai open style restaurants just give them the run of the place, and for me the collection is one thing but bothering someone while they eat is over the line, if you look to a Thai owner you can see the yim hairng / yim yair yair (embarrassment) they know its wrong, but they wont ever stop it even in their own place. Various western bar owners I know, have told their staff not not let these hustlers into the bar, but despite repeatedly trying none have ever managed to get the staff to stop them, they just cant handle doing it.

So I am not convinced its cultural, or simply the not stopping another thai from trying it on.. But its clearly something that Thais dont attach the same importance to.

[markg]

A further update from the media.

A meeting was held on Wednesday chaired by Vice Governor Smit Parawatwichai, and attended by Centra Hotels group, Tourismo Asia (who bring in 120,000 Scandinavian tourists to Phuket each year), and Siam Safari.

In the meeting, Centara alleged that the president of Karon tuk-tuk mafia, 'Don' Pomtep Charmkawn himself telephoned them to say that his tuk tuk drivers would specifically block access to Centra for guests arriving on Tourismo Asia transport. Don Pomtep said that Tourismo Asia were preventing local taxi drivers from earning a living.

Police have apparently been called on several occasions to these types of incidents.

Seemingly, tuk tuk drivers have asked Tourismo Asia and Siam Safari drivers to provide them with a list of the people they are picking up from Centara. The very cheek of it.

HELLO !!!! This is a MAFIA and needs bringing to book. Like yesterday, people.

Do you really think that tourists want to become embroiled in this crap? Do you think they will come back? Y'know, there are other places in the world to choose from when deciding on a holiday destination.

120,000 people a year. A HUNDRED AND TWENTY THOUSAND!!! <deleted>!

Don Pomtep needs some serious investigation. It would appear from the media that he seems to think that Tourismo Asia and Siam Safari are just turning up at hotels in their busses and Land Rovers 'touting' for business.

In the name of all things holy, man, wake up and smell the coffee. When people book a tour, they book a door to door service in general. It is quite QUITE normal for this to happen. You get picked up at your hotel, do the tour, and get dropped off again.

Siam Safari arent giving people rides to restaurants in Patong or anything, they are taking them on a flamin' tour.

Don Pomthep, you are a short sighted idiot only interested in flexing your muscles to show your ill-educated staff how powerful you are. Well, when you've succeeded in driving off (no pun intended) all the tourists, what are you going to do then? I have a bicycle rickshaw you can borrow for a very nominal fee.

Pomthem, I spit on your tuk tuk and fart in your general direction.

[LivinLOS]

Another sad aspect is if your not a big hotel chain with some clout... your just left to fend with them yourself..

No one can offer a better service, high end restaurants cant put on a limo experience etc etc..

It just holds so many things back, that would longer term build more opportunity for the island.

[geriatrickid]

I wouldn't be too worried about this dispute. The tuk tuks will lose. In plain language, you don't <deleted> with this family. If the tuk tuks want to keep their other business, they better learn some manners and fast. It's sort of like Las Vegas, when the Mob found they couldn't bully the big public companies that took over the casinos in the 1970's and 1980's.

Centara is a very large and influential hotel ownership and management group. They manage and own one of the largest hospitality portfolios in Thailand. I. You want KFC? That's the Centara's franchise ? Ice cream? that's Centara's Baskin & Robbins franchise. You want a donut,centara has the Mister Donut franchise too. Fast food, it's there. Sofitel management contracts? They have a bunch. Prestigious malls and real estate? That's Centara.

Here's just a bit of Centara from it's investor circular;

Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL) was established in 1980 with the objective of developing. CENTEL is the official registered name of Centara Hotels & Resorts (CHR), managing and operating a chain of first class hotels throughout Thailand and the region. It is a core business unit of the Central Group of Companies, founded by the Chirathivat family - a major owner, developer and operator of mixed commercial malls, retailing businesses, Central Department stores and trading businesses throughout Thailand.

I think you old timers will recognize the family name. Forbes says it is the 3rd wealthiest family group in Thailand worth a few billion USD. http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/85/biz_th...amily_6P6Y.html

So forgive me when I say, if the tuk tuk mobsters don't behave, they will get a well deserved spanking or worse

Hang on to your toupees, because this is gonna be fun.

[stevenl]

Yes, I sure hope that is going to happen. That is why I said in the beginning: "Let's see how this works out, could end up being the start of the mafia demise. "

Plus it is not just the hotels that won't accept this, it is also the touroperators, some of whom are very influential locally. Think Nikorn Marine, with 10-20 speedboats departing every day filled with tourists, etc.

[hkt83100]

Let's just implement a certain standards as

- All seats must have seatbelts.

- The vehicles are checked once a year for brakes, exhaust, oil leaks, etc.

- Drivers are regularly checked for alcohol, especially at night.

- Drivers must be educated in First Aid (for case of accidents).

- Drivers must have a basic knowledge of at least one foreign language, not counting Isaan, Lao, or southern Thai.

I guess at least 90% of all Tuk-Tuks would disappear automagically. (<- No Typo)

[cardew]

If I lived here, I wouldn't be taking taxis, I'd have a car. That being said, I'm here for 5 months and still find taxis cheaper.

Most of the moaners here can only afford an old motorbike, so why are they complaining about taxi prices?

[markg]

If I lived here, I wouldn't be taking taxis, I'd have a car. That being said, I'm here for 5 months and still find taxis cheaper.

Most of the moaners here can only afford an old motorbike, so why are they complaining about taxi prices?

You're missing the point TROLL. This thread isnt about people moaning about the price of a tuk-tuk. It's about the tuk-tuk drivers blockading a hotel so that guests who have paid for a tour are not allowed to be picked up by that tour company. The tuk tuk mafia want a slice of the transportation action.

It isnt really about people who live here. It's more aimed at tourists. Y'know, the lifeblood of Phuket.

Do you have anything constructive to say or should the mods just ban you for being a troll?

[schlog]

A further update from the media.

A meeting was held on Wednesday chaired by Vice Governor Smit Parawatwichai, and attended by Centra Hotels group, Tourismo Asia (who bring in 120,000 Scandinavian tourists to Phuket each year), and Siam Safari.

In the meeting, Centara alleged that the president of Karon tuk-tuk mafia, 'Don' Pomtep Charmkawn himself telephoned them to say that his tuk tuk drivers would specifically block access to Centra for guests arriving on Tourismo Asia transport. Don Pomtep said that Tourismo Asia were preventing local taxi drivers from earning a living.

Police have apparently been called on several occasions to these types of incidents.

Seemingly, tuk tuk drivers have asked Tourismo Asia and Siam Safari drivers to provide them with a list of the people they are picking up from Centara. The very cheek of it.

HELLO !!!! This is a MAFIA and needs bringing to book. Like yesterday, people.

Do you really think that tourists want to become embroiled in this crap? Do you think they will come back? Y'know, there are other places in the world to choose from when deciding on a holiday destination.

120,000 people a year. A HUNDRED AND TWENTY THOUSAND!!! &lt;deleted&gt;!

Don Pomtep needs some serious investigation. It would appear from the media that he seems to think that Tourismo Asia and Siam Safari are just turning up at hotels in their busses and Land Rovers 'touting' for business.

In the name of all things holy, man, wake up and smell the coffee. When people book a tour, they book a door to door service in general. It is quite QUITE normal for this to happen. You get picked up at your hotel, do the tour, and get dropped off again.

Siam Safari arent giving people rides to restaurants in Patong or anything, they are taking them on a flamin' tour.

Don Pomthep, you are a short sighted idiot only interested in flexing your muscles to show your ill-educated staff how powerful you are. Well, when you've succeeded in driving off (no pun intended) all the tourists, what are you going to do then? I have a bicycle rickshaw you can borrow for a very nominal fee.

Pomthem, I spit on your tuk tuk and fart in your general direction.

What do you think Don Pomthep?

Don Pomthep : Mai Son Tschai

Karon and Phuket are going down every day more or?

Don Pomthep : Mai Son Tschai i hab money

[LivinginKata]

If I lived here, I wouldn't be taking taxis, I'd have a car. That being said, I'm here for 5 months and still find taxis cheaper.

Most of the moaners here can only afford an old motorbike, so why are they complaining about taxi prices?

Maybe you need to read the OT again. It's not about taxi prices, it's about Tuk Tuks blocking hotels & preventing businesses from operating.

And I remind you of Thaivisa rule 1) To respect fellow members.

[stuandchris]

Stupid comments about people here only being able to afford a bike deserve the contempt they are receiving.

I own a nice car and two motorbikes but still need a taxi now and again, I would rather walk 3 miles and have many a time than use the tuk tuk leeches.

They hold this place back so much and lets be honest how many of them are there?

The collective will has to be there to rid the island of these parasites, from tourists, expats and elected bodies alike.

[chiang mai]

That being said, I'm here for 5 months and still find taxis cheaper.

You find taxi's cheaper than what, please tell?

[PhilHarries]

The next thing you know they won't allow the the airport taxis to take them to or from the airport, but rather have them taken to a field where they have to also take a tuk tuk to continue their journey. But why stop there when you can also hijack the cheap bus that is "allowed"to run during daylight hours.

I think you've missed the salient point about their modus operandi. What they ideally want is for you to take the airport or hotel or tour taxi, or whatever transport you like, but also pay a surcharge on top of the fare to compensate the tuk tuk driver for his loss of earnings. That way they can do sod all but sit around in their little dens drinking all day long as the money pours in.

It would be nice if you could rely on someone someday growing the balls to take on these types, not just in Phuket but many other locations in Thailand, but let's face it that person would spend what little life he had left looking over his shoulder.

[Benjie]

I wouldn't be too worried about this dispute. The tuk tuks will lose. In plain language, you don't &lt;deleted&gt; with this family. If the tuk tuks want to keep their other business, they better learn some manners and fast. It's sort of like Las Vegas, when the Mob found they couldn't bully the big public companies that took over the casinos in the 1970's and 1980's.

Centara is a very large and influential hotel ownership and management group. They manage and own one of the largest hospitality portfolios in Thailand. I. You want KFC? That's the Centara's franchise ? Ice cream? that's Centara's Baskin & Robbins franchise. You want a donut,centara has the Mister Donut franchise too. Fast food, it's there. Sofitel management contracts? They have a bunch. Prestigious malls and real estate? That's Centara.

Here's just a bit of Centara from it's investor circular;

Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL) was established in 1980 with the objective of developing. CENTEL is the official registered name of Centara Hotels & Resorts (CHR), managing and operating a chain of first class hotels throughout Thailand and the region. It is a core business unit of the Central Group of Companies, founded by the Chirathivat family - a major owner, developer and operator of mixed commercial malls, retailing businesses, Central Department stores and trading businesses throughout Thailand.

I think you old timers will recognize the family name. Forbes says it is the 3rd wealthiest family group in Thailand worth a few billion USD. http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/85/biz_th...amily_6P6Y.html

So forgive me when I say, if the tuk tuk mobsters don't behave, they will get a well deserved spanking or worse

Hang on to your toupees, because this is gonna be fun.

I really don't think they care, do you think the tuk tuk boss just didn't realise that Central were a big company?

[markg]

I really don't think they care, do you think the tuk tuk boss just didn't realise that Central were a big company?

The tuk tuk drivers may or maynot know who is the money behind the Centara group, but if media reports are to be believed, the tuk tuk drivers apparently stopped the wife of the Vice President of the hotel being transported to work in a private vehicle and asked her for her 'travel coupon'. Seems that even the VP's wife isnt allowed to be picked up by hotel staff, but must instead be chauffeur driven in a tuk tuk.

I think, and rather hope, that this time, the tuk tuk drivers might have bitten off more then they can chew.

I particularly like the quote from Don Pomthem alleging that Tourismo Asia and Siam Safari are breaking the law and stealing income from tuk tuk drivers. Even if they were (which they arent) then you can't help but say 'som nom na' Don P.

The principle of this story has an interesting concept. If tuk tuk mafia are aghast at companies picking up guests and taking them to their head quarters or on a tour, then where do you draw the line? For example, many hotel groups offer a free transfer from the hotel. Should that be mafia taxed too? Pizza delivery? Mafia tax it. Tailor shop free pick up? Definitely mafia tax that one.

In fact, perhaps they should set up a tax collection point at Chalong and Karon circle and tax people riding motorbikes because they are 'stealing income from tuk tuk drivers'

Pedestrians too, obviously - tax them - they should all be in tuk tuks.

Cyclists? The audacity. Tax them.

Moving from one bar stool to another. Taxable.

Going to the toilet in a bar. Tax to get there, tax to get in, tax to get back to your seat.

In fact, we should all be in tuk tuks. All the time. I'm getting in one right now.

[billythehat]

Consider the current battlefield position by analogy:

Both sides are equally ignorant and galactically stupid.

One side has muscle only by virtue of numbers, but this is offset by most of this side being drunk or asleep.

The other side, whilst having the spines of jellyfish, do possess quite obscene amounts of cash.

Enter the referee who goes by the 'nom de plume' of Policeman, fore it is he whose collection box must be filled to overflowing...

My money's on the team with the really big cash...

[geriatrickid]

I really don't think they care, do you think the tuk tuk boss just didn't realise that Central were a big company?

I'm sure they did not care, but that might be due to their assumption that they are untouchable. No one on Phuket dares stand up to them. I still think Phuket is alot like Las Vegas back in the heyday of the Syndicate, well at least according to the historical record. Until Howard Hughes showed up in 1966 and started buying up Las Vegas property, the mob had no worries. The mob was the government. Everyone, including the cops, the state officials and even national politicians owed their jobs to the mob.

Although Hughes lost his shirt in Vegas (he lost his mind long before that), he relied on people like Hank Greenspun to help purchase assets. Greenspun was a rough and tumble self made man, a criminal lawyer that quickly became disillusioned defending people he considered deserving of prison, and a tough guy with chest full of ribbons from WWII. Hughes was not intimidated by mobsters, neither was Greenspun. The patriarch of the Centara group had 3 wives, and he was reputed to be one tough hombre. His kids grew up tough and don't run from a fight. They have lived with death threats and angry people their entire lives and have built what can be argued to be one of the most successful and profitable family businesses in Thailand. Like Hughes and Greenspun, they are not going to be intimidated by guttersnipes with guns.

The mob didn't know what to do with Hughes. He couldn't be threatened. He couldn't be corrupted and he couldn't be wacked because of his protective coccoon of mormons and close links to the US military. The Thai family that runs the show, is similar in that they are the untouchables. You can't buy them off, threaten them or kill them.

The tuktuk drivers remind me of the old Teamsters union and we all know what happened to Jummy Hoffa.

The local thugs think they control the government. Well, in a way they do as an earlier post explains. However, if I speculate, the boys that count are in Bangkok. They wear the fancy uniforms. They are the ones that get the final cut. The local Phuket gangs do not control the money that greases the wheels and makes the people that can do things pay heed. Centara will do what is in its best interests. My hunch is that what we will see publicly is lots of smiling and polite discussion. However, behind the scenes, the Centara group will do what needs to be done to win its fight with the tuktuks, and we most likely will never know the full story. In the meantime, I reckon the local government officials and police are feeling alot of heat and they don't like it.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall at these meetings. I think some local self important thugs are about to be handed their little rotten nads on a plate.

[greenwater]

Why i don't see a single word about the tuk tuk mafia on "Phuket gazette"???

Is it a newspaper or what??

Today, the most important news is about a "school celebration"........ :D

[steelepulse]

The next thing you know they won't allow the the airport taxis to take them to or from the airport, but rather have them taken to a field where they have to also take a tuk tuk to continue their journey. But why stop there when you can also hijack the cheap bus that is "allowed"to run during daylight hours.

I think you've missed the salient point about their modus operandi. What they ideally want is for you to take the airport or hotel or tour taxi, or whatever transport you like, but also pay a surcharge on top of the fare to compensate the tuk tuk driver for his loss of earnings. That way they can do sod all but sit around in their little dens drinking all day long as the money pours in.

It would be nice if you could rely on someone someday growing the balls to take on these types, not just in Phuket but many other locations in Thailand, but let's face it that person would spend what little life he had left looking over his shoulder.

>>"All we want is 350 baht for every trip involving between one and four customers. If there are five customers, we will need to take two tuk-tuks, so it will be 700 baht.''

Ahhhhhh, negative, you missed the point. Please reread where they say they will take the pax for 350/trip up to 4 people, or 700 for 5 people, then the tour group is free to bring them back.

Edited December 11, 2009 by steelepulse

[jjonz]

It already happens. My Dad came here twice and stayed in 5 star hotels both times. He said what put him off was the hassle he got. Whilst sitting in the grounds of the hotel, by their pool, dad was constantly asked by hotel massage girls if he wanted a massage. Secondly, immediately upon leaving the hotel there is a 'pool' of taxi drivers outside. Dad was constantly asked and harassed about where he was going and did he need a taxi. It really put my dad off coming back here. He has stayed in nice hotels all over the world and said he just doesnt expect this kind of aggravation when he is trying to relax. I only post this story to highlight the differences between cultures and attitudes. My dad thinks it's wrong, the Thai management of the hotel presumably think it's ok. My dad hasnt been back.

With regard to comments about the Governor. Sad to say that i hear he has to retire next year due to his age - which is a real shame because on the face of it, he appears to be doing some good. Poll after exit poll, year after year, and the results clearly show what annoys tourists. Rip-offs, tuk tuks and jet skis. The governor of Phuket knows fine and well which side the bread is buttered on, and the cancer that is tuk-tuk rip offs needs cutting out. A poster mentioned tuk tuk prices in Bkk and Chiang Mai. In both those cities you will see Thai people in tuk-tuks. Frequently. It is rightfully seen as a mode of transport. Yet in Phuket, you rarely see Thai passengers in tuk-tuks. Here it appears to be seen as a quirky, 'cultural' mode of transport for tourists only. Like an elephant ride is.

It is doubtful that the tuk-tuk mafia; and it is a mafia, can be broken by the Governor in his last remaining year in office. There is just too much money involving too many people. The man would have a price put on his head.

My honest suggestions would be 3-fold. A phased out cutting down of the tuk-tuk fleet with appropriate compensation - in the same way fishing fleets were cut down in Europe to stop over-fishing. Have a set number of licences for all Phuket tuk-tuks and that then limit the numbers.

Secondly, put meters in them and let the Governors office set the tariff, (certainly in the UK taxi fares are set at local authority level - and i think they are in Bkk too?)

Thirdly, a small amount of education is needed. Lesson 1. How do you know when a 'farang' wants a taxi? A. because he is standing at the side of the road, looking at you, with his arm raised up a bit. or B. he is walking away from you, holding hands with his girlfriend and needs you to kerb-crawl along side him tooting your horn shouting tuk-tuk. or C. He has just got off his motorcycle and is stowing his helmet so clearly needs a tuk tuk for the last part of his journey.

Unfortunately, the Don of the Karon mafia has previously stated that 'there are not enough tuk tuks in Phuket' when they asked for the numbers to be increased, AND has said 'meters are not the answer'.

I'm not sure he has been asked about 'education' of drivers........

Has your Dad never visited India? Or Morrocco? Egypt? Any country in South America?

The difference is that in those countries the Police take seriously the harassment of their tourists. They understand that if a particular tourist is not enjoying their stay they will very likely not return, whereas here in Thailand, the Police are either in collusion with the miscreants, or, frankly, given the rabid and centuries old engendered nationalism, don't give a dam_n.

We foreigners are, after all, extremely wealthy. Our home city streets are paved, quite literally, with gold. We never have to work for our money, it's given to us by our various governments. Ask any Thai. They will confirm what I say.

[ScubaBuddha]

Why i don't see a single word about the tuk tuk mafia on "Phuket gazette"???

Is it a newspaper or what??

Today, the most important news is about a "school celebration"........

PG might consider that story too "sensitive" to report on. There is far from free reporting in the media in Thailand. Although there will probably be something about it buried on page 6+ in the paper version.

Edited December 11, 2009 by ScubaBuddha

[HDRIDER]

PG might consider that story too "sensitive" to report on. There is far from free reporting in the media in Thailand. Although there will probably be something about it buried on page 6+ in the paper version.

Hi

Yes,,, in about 4 weeks time, PG dont have any "new" news

[LivinLOS]

>>"All we want is 350 baht for every trip involving between one and four customers. If there are five customers, we will need to take two tuk-tuks, so it will be 700 baht.''

Ahhhhhh, negative, you missed the point. Please reread where they say they will take the pax for 350/trip up to 4 people, or 700 for 5 people, then the tour group is free to bring them back.

This implies that they have the right to force people to use them, even if other options exist.

Thats the heart of the matter.. That they see it as perfectly acceptable to stifle any further travel options other than tuktuks. They even call this a 'law' !!

[phuketrex]

So what do the tuk tuk owners do when a minibus from Phuket Fantasea turns up to at the resort to take guests to the show or from Simon Cabaret or......??

[ScubaBuddha]

So what do the tuk tuk owners do when a minibus from Phuket Fantasea turns up to at the resort to take guests to the show or from Simon Cabaret or......??

They block roads and entrances to hotels. I seem to remember the Fantasea vans have being a point of contention in the past with the tuk tuk mafia.

[katabeachbum]

Does anyone know how hard it is to be a tuk tuk driver?

You must pay your villa morgage, Corolla Altis payments and you must pay for your pickup.

School fees for kids must be payed, and three nights a week you must pay a restaurant to get drunk on red label. I wish i could drink black labe like my friend with airport limo, but I m just a tuk tuk man

In the high season you can afford a mia noi, but not in the low season.

My son is turning 14 next week. he s been using a 3 year old Honda Wave so far, but for others to see my position as a successfull tuk tuk man I need to buy him a Honda Click this week. only 60k baht including all needed mods and tuning.

Of course all farang wanting to go somewhere from Kata Karon must pay tuk tuk

Edited December 12, 2009 by katabeachbum

[cotambear]

But the whole thing to me is the attitude that we 'must' use their service.. Not that a business lives or dies on the quality of service it provides, or the price, or any one of many real world factors. No the tuktuks must get their slice no matter what they do, and they will blockage, trespass, and break the laws to intimidate and demand their protection money to ensure that their right to that money is protected. Its insane.

Its the very definition of cartel and monopoly that allows no one else to provide a better cheaper service. They really should let them form a blockade and take a dam_n earth mover and smash up a whole bunch of tuktuks, when the 'mob' complains arrest every one that wants to put up a fight and charge them.. This isnt about protecting 'poor thais' its about placating an ever growing (and backed by those with influence) mob. Someone sometime is going to have to take them on or next year its 500 baht per person, etc.

We think we`re being gouged (and we are), in reality it is the poorest thais who suffer most. Denied an effective baht bus service, they must when necessary use tuk tuks, Imagine paying a days wages for a taxi ride.

[katabeachbum]

We think we`re being gouged (and we are), in reality it is the poorest thais who suffer most. Denied an effective baht bus service, they must when necessary use tuk tuks, Imagine paying a days wages for a taxi ride.

totally agree

guess who stopped the baht bus from kata noi-kata-karon-patong like 10 years back? yepp, my tuk tuk friends did

[Atmos]

living the sheltered lifestyle we do over the hill in Chalong, only became aware of how 'strong' these t-t driver are on Monday last week; we had a friend staying at a guesthouse in Karon, she wanted a taxi to the airport i suggested she ask the guesthouse manager as he might have a reliable 'regular' for a woman travelling alone.

He told her he couldn't have a taxi come to his guesthouse due to 'mafia'; so I went to a travel/tour shop I've done a lot of business with, they were happy to arrange a taxi but were aware of the 'problems', so had her wait outside the Centara (some irony given op), about 250m away from the guesthouse she was at.

She got away ok, but this is not a good image for a departing tourist.