Phuket Tour Operators Furious At Russian Counterparts

[webfact]

Local tour operators furious at Russian counterparts

Phuket Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office Chief Piyasuda Sukcharoen

PHUKET: -- Russians allegedly running illegal tourism businesses in Phuket have sparked outrage among local tourism operators.

Sukadach Ratanaburi filed a group complaint at the Governor’s Office on Monday, together with about 100 local tourism business operators with him for support.

“These Russians are stealing our jobs,” Mr Sukadach said. “They set up tour information counters by the roadside, sit there and sell tours.

“They also work as guides and taxi drivers. More than that, they give wrong information to Russian tourists. They tell them not to use Thai tuk-tuks or taxis, or any service provided by Thai people,” he said.

Mr Sukadach said repeated complaints had been filed for the past two months, with no action being taken.

“We have filed complaints many times – to the Phuket Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office, the Tourist Police, and the Immigration Police – but there has been no progress,” he explained.

Furious with the lack of action, the protesters accuse Phuket Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office Chief Piyasuda Sukcharoen of failing in her duty to protect Thai jobs.

In the formal complaint, they called for an investigation into Chief Piyasuda’s performance and verification that the accused tour companies were licensed to work in tourism.

They also called for an investigation into whether accused Russians had work permits, and how they could work in an occupation reserved by law for Thais.

The complaint included a request that one of its signatories serve on the provincial committee that would carry out the investigations.

At Provincial Hall to face her accusers in person, Chief Piyasada said, “About two weeks ago, I sent my officers to go out with Tourist Police to inspect company licenses.

“So far, we have found one company involving Russians that I will cancel the tourism business license for. The name of the owner of the company was changed from a Thai to a Russian not long after the company was issued its license,” Ms Piyasada said.

“I am currently working with the relevant government agency and looking to act on this as soon as possible,” she added.

Vice Governor Nivit Aroonrat, who formally received the complaint, said he needed a week to look into the allegations and that he would inform Mr Sukadach of any progress.

When filing the complaint, Mr Sukadach did not stipulate how many registered tour guides in Phuket were proficient in speaking Russian.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-12-24

[Colonel_Mustard]

“They also work as guides and taxi drivers. More than that, they give wrong information to Russian tourists. They tell them not to use Thai tuk-tuks or taxis, or any service provided by Thai people,” he said.

Well it would appear that they are giving correct advice.

Wonder how many Thai tour operators/guides can actually speak Russian fluently enough to be of use anyway.

[Nowhereman60]

From the early 50's we (USA) learn not to trust the Russians, now it's Thailand turn to learn.

[LivinLOS]

1 word.. Compete !!

Even in the non Free market, one with work permits, taxes, restrictions and a FAR higher cost of operating.. Visitors are still using non Thais ?? The concerned Thais should try to analyze why that is.. Take a long look in the mirror and wonder why a Russian can operate at a lower cost for a better service than a Thai is able to, given the huge disadvantage that the non Thai faces in every aspect of business.

Instead the Thai solution is not t think, improve or compete its cartels, blocking competition, lowering quality of service, keeping monopolistic pricing.

As they do this Thailand starts to overtake Euro destinations in costs and prices, for far inferior services, then they wonder why Tourists are spending less freely. Big picture world view is absent from the thinking.

[random]

From the early 50's we (USA) learn not to trust the Russians, now it's Thailand turn to learn.

what the hell?????????

paranoid much?

unbelievable

[asiawatcher]

" ...Mr Sukadach said repeated complaints had been filed for the past two months, with no action being taken. "

Simple, the Russians have more money and can pay their way out!

[pmgthailand]

Totally agree; A little bit of competition is good for business and even better for the customer (what rip offs and scams to avoid), not much point in being a tour guide and if you can't speak the language of your customers.

.

1 word.. Compete !!

Even in the non Free market, one with work permits, taxes, restrictions and a FAR higher cost of operating.. Visitors are still using non Thais ?? The concerned Thais should try to analyze why that is.. Take a long look in the mirror and wonder why a Russian can operate at a lower cost for a better service than a Thai is able to, given the huge disadvantage that the non Thai faces in every aspect of business.

Instead the Thai solution is not t think, improve or compete its cartels, blocking competition, lowering quality of service, keeping monopolistic pricing.

As they do this Thailand starts to overtake Euro destinations in costs and prices, for far inferior services, then they wonder why Tourists are spending less freely. Big picture world view is absent from the thinking.

Edited December 24, 2010 by pmgthailand

[Shurup]

From the early 50's we (USA) learn not to trust the Russians, now it's Thailand turn to learn.

Same was in Russia - they learned not to trust Yankees, but Thailand will never learn.

Edited January 19, 2011 by bonobo
removed personal flame

[Orac]

Seems that these local operators do not even seem able to operate a mafia properly??

[scotto]

let the russians

be tour guides for other russians who cares it is only a small part of tourism in phuket surely

not the same as pattaya Russians everywhere!!!!!!

[Thaddeus]

let the russians

be tour guides for other russians who cares it is only a small part of tourism in phuket surely

not the same as pattaya Russians everywhere!!!!!!

Doesn't matter how small the amount is for these guys, they don't like to lose a single Baht.

[robblok]

1 word.. Compete !!

Even in the non Free market, one with work permits, taxes, restrictions and a FAR higher cost of operating.. Visitors are still using non Thais ?? The concerned Thais should try to analyze why that is.. Take a long look in the mirror and wonder why a Russian can operate at a lower cost for a better service than a Thai is able to, given the huge disadvantage that the non Thai faces in every aspect of business.

Instead the Thai solution is not t think, improve or compete its cartels, blocking competition, lowering quality of service, keeping monopolistic pricing.

As they do this Thailand starts to overtake Euro destinations in costs and prices, for far inferior services, then they wonder why Tourists are spending less freely. Big picture world view is absent from the thinking.

Have to agree this just shows that the Thais are ripping people off if the Russians can do it cheaper and better.

[slapout]

Just wait until the Chinese come to Thailand, they will dominate the hi end financing, loan sharking, etc. Set their children up in business and bring in the relatives to open more outlets. The Indians may even go after a corner on the textile business, while the Burmese go after the lucrative labor positions The tourist industry is such a small part of the Thai big picture (as per government figures) why worry about a few Russians? Their share would probably not make a pimple on the Thai run businesses rear when it comes to % on the tourist income.

[aperturebkk]

“They also work as guides and taxi drivers. More than that, they give wrong information to Russian tourists. They tell them not to use Thai tuk-tuks or taxis, or any service provided by Thai people,” he said.

Brilliant advice! There is NO enforced law surrounding tuk tuk's and taxi's in Phuket so why bother using one - you are simply placing yourself in the hands of an uneducated thug who want's nothing more than the money in your wallet.

[terryp]

LOL...the poor Thais how will they ever survive??

[ginjag]

"They also work as guides and taxi drivers. More than that, they give wrong information to Russian tourists. They tell them not to use Thai tuk-tuks or taxis, or any service provided by Thai people," he said.

Brilliant advice! There is NO enforced law surrounding tuk tuk's and taxi's in Phuket so why bother using one - you are simply placing yourself in the hands of an uneducated thug who want's nothing more than the money in your wallet.

General picture in near all Thai tourist places, airport in particular--thats where 1st impressions are given. 80 per cent mafia run, but everyone has to live with it, no permanent inroads into the mess. Russians with money, do buy themselves out of problems, But Thai have to get real, and put on good quality services at REASONABLE rates. and win the tourists back.

[bkkjames]

It's the Russian's turn now. A few years back it was the chinese with they zero baht tours groups to pattaya. then there was a korean tour guide crackdown in phuket.

next year apparently is the Iranian's turn.

[Finlaco]

1 word.. Compete !!

Even in the non Free market, one with work permits, taxes, restrictions and a FAR higher cost of operating.. Visitors are still using non Thais ?? The concerned Thais should try to analyze why that is.. Take a long look in the mirror and wonder why a Russian can operate at a lower cost for a better service than a Thai is able to, given the huge disadvantage that the non Thai faces in every aspect of business.

Instead the Thai solution is not t think, improve or compete its cartels, blocking competition, lowering quality of service, keeping monopolistic pricing.

As they do this Thailand starts to overtake Euro destinations in costs and prices, for far inferior services, then they wonder why Tourists are spending less freely. Big picture world view is absent from the thinking.

WELL WRITTEN

[steelepulse]

>>Mr Sukadach did not stipulate how many registered tour guides in Phuket were proficient in speaking Russian.

I wonder why that is?

[Mamboking]

It's always like that - thai's just don't care about marketing law and will lose and lose again. If somebody doing same service with the lower price and much better quality, why I shouldn't use that? Greedy and stupid people. Thanks God not all Thai people like those idiots.

Edited December 24, 2010 by Mamboking

[Payboy]

They tell them not to use Thai tuk-tuks or taxis, or any service provided by Thai people.

Thats right - when business is bad, play the nationalist card.

How about working on improving your service and being more competitive Khun Suk-at-that?

[Cuchulainn]

.......They tell them not to use Thai tuk-tuks or taxis, or any service provided by Thai people........

Pretty sound advice!!

[siamjimi]

1 word.. Compete !!

[[ Even in the non Free market, one with work permits, taxes, restrictions and a FAR higher cost of operating.. Visitors are still using non Thais ?? The concerned Thais should try to analyze why that is.. Take a long look in the mirror and wonder why a Russian can operate at a lower cost for a better service than a Thai is able to, given the huge disadvantage that the non Thai faces in every aspect of business.

Instead the Thai solution is not t think, improve or compete its cartels, blocking competition, lowering quality of service, keeping monopolistic pricing.

As they do this Thailand starts to overtake Euro destinations in costs and prices, for far inferior services, then they wonder why Tourists are spending less freely. Big picture world view is absent from the thinking. ]]

How correct you are Livin - a "Take A Look In The Mirror" approach would open some eyes – but only a few - it will not change the root of the problem. The governmental bodies which are supposed to protect the Thaïs are misaligned and corrupt allowing for the Russians to manipulate them. It's obvious that this woman is trying to do her duty and is up against pay-offs for easing that control and allowing Russians to operate Tour business. Let alone the obvious that the Russians that are operating prohibited business' on tourist visa's should have their visa's revoked and sent back to the Mother Land.

The methodology for all Thaïs businesses is infectious - an example of them doubling prices to compensate for half the number of tourists - and relates to a very large majority of Thais root mentality. It's all about the baht - the hell with everyone else.

We are truly walking ATM's to them and any opportunity they have to exploit something - even when they know there will be disastrous results and the whole deal will cave in - they will go through with it - as long as it means getting their pockets lined with cash today. The same goes for the Russian Mafia operating in Thailand.

Having said that - the Thaïs enjoy going to live overseas at MANY destinations whether OZ, USA or UK where they can own their business 100% - own a house 100% - have the benefits of the taxation system and its rewards such as health care and other taxation spin offs – without being burdened with corruption orientated governmental bodies such as police or customs agents and mafia extortion.

On our side of the fence in Thailand as a "Farang" - we are basically told that we can visit - spend our money - but we really want you to go home after emptying your pockets - being only allowed 90 days - 2 times a year visitation rights.

There are so many inequalities built into Thai policies - it's amazing that we as foreigners stay here. I cannot own my own home – and the Thaïs will not relax their policies to provide a foreigner with at least a home of restricted size – so as not to loose control of their land. I am sympathetic to some of the controls they have implemented – however – enough is enough when you cannot buy your own residence.

The Thaïs need to be reminded we spend our money here and much more of one Farang's money enters the system per year than 100's or more of Thaïs put together.

I am waiting patiently for Cambodia or Vietnam to catch up with Thailand - build up their infrastructures to provide adequate transportation systems - then I am outta here. If I find I cannot wait - Philippines here I come. I am only here to benefit from a lower cost of living - and it seems that's being pissed away daily by the Thaïs - so for me long range plans are necessary to counteract the Thai one sided mentality - take the money and run.

[moetownblues]

"They also work as guides and taxi drivers. More than that, they give wrong information to Russian tourists. They tell them not to use Thai tuk-tuks or taxis, or any service provided by Thai people," he said.

Well it would appear that they are giving correct advice.

Wonder how many Thai tour operators/guides can actually speak Russian fluently enough to be of use anyway.

The Russians are probably sending them to the wrong tailors, gold merchants, bars and jet ski operators. You can only be taken to these places by an honest well respected thai Tuk Tuk driver.

[saintofsilence]

Russians in Pattaya seem to be involved in a few tourism business and also and their presence on the beach around the jet ski hiring businesses shows that they could be more involved

It could be part of the reason police are reluctant to stop scams everyday and that the media stay clear, but thats just a thought may be nothing to it.

Russians may be slowly over running the thais in these services.

Edited December 24, 2010 by saintofsilence

[stevenl]

1 word.. Compete !!

Even in the non Free market, one with work permits, taxes, restrictions and a FAR higher cost of operating.. Visitors are still using non Thais ?? The concerned Thais should try to analyze why that is.. Take a long look in the mirror and wonder why a Russian can operate at a lower cost for a better service than a Thai is able to, given the huge disadvantage that the non Thai faces in every aspect of business.

Well, that is the problem. The Russians are using people without the proper licenses, without paying taxes, etc., so they are undercutting even the Thai, who still have their expenses to stay legal, let alone legal foreign businesses, who are paying even more.

[Robroy]

The Thais have some dodgy operators themselves.

Last time I left Phuket, our minibus stopped on the way to the airport to await some passengers coming out of a guesthouse.

On glancing into the luggage compartment at the back, I observed the driver zipping open people's suitcases & going through them for valuables.

Nopporat Tours was the company name . I later learned that our driver was the company owner.

[Sydebolle]

Well, while I do not agree to the practice of illegality the message is very, very, very clear. The protectionists are getting beaten now.

All those whining Thais should stop farting around and get their act together. Their command of the English lingua has not improved over the last 25 years of my presence here and their "product" just became more expensive. Why is it, that all good hotels, non-Thai as well as Thai restaurants and official tour operators (Diethelm, Asiantrails, Siam Express etc.) in this country are run .......... by non-Thais. Thais became slaves in their own country; initially by the Sino-Thais and now by the rest of the world because they believe that Thailand is still the centre of the entire universe.

Move up, make your homework and seriously analyze, why a Russian roadside "operator" outbids the rest. Or study the Indian taylor who successfully sells clothes being sewed together by ...... a background Thai!

[Digicat]

I am Ukrainian, most Former Soviets I know

1. Do not speak decent English.

2. Do not like getting ripped off.

3. Like to be comfortable when they travel: feel secure about the language and not being hassled.

Why would anyone Russian or otherwise use Thai tours where there is no mother tongue is spoken, English is questionable at best, the staff looks upon the foreign clients as ATM's and will try to rip them off every step off the way???

If the price was similar who would in their right mind take a Thai based tour?

OK YOU JETSKI 30 minute 2000 baht, cheap for you!!!

Hey you, want boom boom?

Today temple closed, I take you better.

Also

Russians are not known for their patience or politeness, so maybe it's best for Thai face and otherwise to avoid dealing with them.

[hawksway]

At the end of the day, Business, like Government exists for the benefit of Customers and Phuket transport has a lot to answer for. Perhaps with more foreign competition the quality of Thai Companies in the Travel Trade will improve as they have to make more investment in Staff Training including foreign languages.

Let's just hope the Russians leave their mafia behind - that's something the Thais might not be comfortable with.