Phuket Tour Operators Furious At Russian Counterparts

[kartman]

I'm suprised the Tuk Tuk boys don't sort it out themselves then they can get back to beating up Euro tourists, oh i forgot you need hands to clench your fists.

[wasaskater]

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.

Dead on...it is not just the Russians though. I still have to get all my licenses, and pay my taxes...as a Thai. One of the shops down the block owns his(Canadian) bar though his "Wife's" name. The very same wife who is learning to read and write...THAI...and is just now learning how to use a calculator. Who do you think the accountant is? Cleaning tables, taking orders, renting out condos, sell businesses...openly. He was just bragging how he(through his Wife) paid only 2 baht in taxes last year! That is just one example!

[CroBiker]

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

Who cares, rest of the world distrusts USA since 1991.

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.

Ditto!

[pacovl46]

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.

excuse me. the chinese r already here and run thailand financially and have been doing so for decades!!!

[Digicat]

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.

Dead on...it is not just the Russians though. I still have to get all my licenses, and pay my taxes...as a Thai. One of the shops down the block owns his(Canadian) bar though his "Wife's" name. The very same wife who is learning to read and write...THAI...and is just now learning how to use a calculator. Who do you think the accountant is? Cleaning tables, taking orders, renting out condos, sell businesses...openly. He was just bragging how he(through his Wife) paid only 2 baht in taxes last year! That is just one example!

Cause Thai government will take that money and redistribute it to the poor... Yes pay more taxes!

[mca]

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

Hey you, want boom boom?

You've sold me!

[pmgthailand]

"Honesty-Integrity

These traits are hard to find in LOS, perhaps because they are also related to the important issue of face and the significance of duplicity common in Thai society. While there is also plenty of dishonesty and lack of integrity in my own culture, what I am discussing here is the way in which these actions are manifested in Thailand and the rationalization and inability to accept truth when it conflicts with other important issues such as face. This is the most difficult part to understand, as there are so many examples I could discuss and so many ways in which the Thai can be seen by farang as dishonest. I don't think that there are many more divergent ways of distinguishing among Thai and farang than how we view honesty. Part of the problem is that Thais try to accommodate everyone with whom they come in contact and perhaps because they are always in search of their own identity, they try hard to be all things to all people. This is very different from the NW European culture that I grew up in, which suggests that compromising your integrity for the sake of others, is tantamount to making a pact with the devil, and there are clear firm lines of demarcation between right and wrong and honest and dishonest behavior.Although the basic tenants of honesty in Thai culture are similar to Western culture, Thai culture seems to have taken the rationalization of dishonest actions without apparent consequence to a level that westerner culture has yet to master. Thailand is way ahead of the West in some ways. Amazing Thailand."

Edited December 24, 2010 by pmgthailand

[thailandshasse]

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

It,s no secret as the Russian,s are organizing crime, prostitution, weapon sales, and whatever you can count.

Have seen the same in South America, Sweden, Vietnam, or any place in the world,you name it.

This are the way the Russians live, and make their income. Look at Russia itself !

Only stealing from the Government, to get rich..

Please respond IF I are wrong !

Thailandshasse

[Digicat]

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

It,s no secret as the Russian,s are organizing crime, prostitution, weapon sales, and whatever you can count.

Have seen the same in South America, Sweden, Vietnam, or any place in the world,you name it.

This are the way the Russians live, and make their income. Look at Russia itself !

Only stealing from the Government, to get rich..

Please respond IF I are wrong !

Thailandshasse

you are half wrong.

some of us work for a living.

its like "saying that all thai make their money running shady massage parlors and ripping off tourists."

I know at least 2 Thais that work, because they work for me...

please feel free to take offense, but your comment is rather dumb.

[HerbalEd]

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

What a broad sweeping generality. I've dealt with Thai travel agents many times over the past 30 years and have been ripped off maybe two times ... no more than my experiences in USA, Europe, South America, etc.

[stevenl]

Cause Thai government will take that money and redistribute it to the poor... Yes pay more taxes!

Are you seriously complaining about high taxes in Thailand?

[Humphrey Bear]

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.

Come to Vietnam now.

I live here a lot better than I did in Thailand, and cheaper.

Hospitals and clinics OK, seldom any power cuts now. Fine place to live and do business.

The North is colder and more socialist, but the South has cleaner beaches than Thailand, much less scams, good Western restaurants. Only thing missing (thank goodness) are the gogo bars and girlie bars. There are bars, there are girls working behind the bars, but it is not the Thai business model.

[Digicat]

Cause Thai government will take that money and redistribute it to the poor... Yes pay more taxes!

Are you seriously complaining about high taxes in Thailand?

well i wasn't, just being sarcastic about where the money will go... but now that you mentioned it...

I have to pay myself a mandatory salary of 50,000 a month. On that salary I have to pay income tax, not to mention other taxes. blah blah blah

cheaper than Europe blah blah blah but still, that money is paid for... and will do what?

Edited December 24, 2010 by Digicat

[robert00]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

[Digicat]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

And you should watch your mouth, or we will come to Chaing Mai to take over and make sure to BRUTALLY neuter all sex-pats named Robert.

[bkkjames]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

And you should watch your mouth, or we will come to Chaing Mai to take over and make sure to BRUTALLY neuter all sex-pats named Robert.

Now now, easy with all the threats on Christmas Eve - at least wait until BOXING DAY

[babsy65]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

And you should watch your mouth, or we will come to Chaing Mai to take over and make sure to BRUTALLY neuter all sex-pats named Robert.

I am not a man, so please forgive me for asking, but.... do you get a hard-on when you write <deleted> like that???

[Digicat]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

And you should watch your mouth, or we will come to Chaing Mai to take over and make sure to BRUTALLY neuter all sex-pats named Robert.

Now now, easy with all the threats on Christmas Eve - at least wait until BOXING DAY

Come on do you really think Russian Mafia will go to CM to for something that small?

NOW, if I open a tour agency there, that's an idea!

Who wants to invest, I know a few good Russian ex-KGB guys in Pattaya...

[Digicat]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

And you should watch your mouth, or we will come to Chaing Mai to take over and make sure to BRUTALLY neuter all sex-pats named Robert.

I am not a man, so please forgive me for asking, but.... do you get a hard-on when you write <deleted> like that???

I am glad you admit it, it's the 1st step to reconciliation. I still consider you human, you can type... well sorta.

And yes I have a raging hard-on. As all Russian BRUTAL Cokratches that come to Chiang Mai to take over Thailand. 'cause you know... that's how we roll.

[Bagwan]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

And you should watch your mouth, or we will come to Chaing Mai to take over and make sure to BRUTALLY neuter all sex-pats named Robert.

Russians are not known for their patience or politeness, so maybe it's best for Thai face and otherwise to avoid dealing with them - a quote from your #30

It seems that you got that right then. When it comes to displaying good manners and consideration of others the Thais beat the Russkies hands down - and most Thais are far from acceptable..

[Digicat]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

And you should watch your mouth, or we will come to Chaing Mai to take over and make sure to BRUTALLY neuter all sex-pats named Robert.

Russians are not known for their patience or politeness, so maybe it's best for Thai face and otherwise to avoid dealing with them - a quote from your #30

It seems that you got that right then. When it comes to displaying good manners and consideration of others the Thais beat the Russkies hands down - and most Thais are far from acceptable..

WELL then I guess I won't be seeing you in Moscow... Although I hear Russian mail order brides are far more acceptable!

In any case, calling Russians Cockroaches, Mafia, Brutal etc is all good fun. Joking about removing someones balls is noooo that's just plain EVIL. Maybe you people do believe your own hype. I'm out. See you in the next forum.

[jayjay0]

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

Personally I disagree with some of your statements and say mnothing.

This time how ever you have really got me going.

Why are you being so nice to them?

[HC82]

There is no market in the Thai tourism industry that is in more need of competition than the Phuket taxi market. It would be amazing if the tourism officials recognize this and that is the exact reason they are doing nothing.

Edited December 24, 2010 by HC82

[slapout]

Sometimes I wonder if TAT could recognize anything other than a paymaster. Amazing and being able to implement any thought out plan, may also give them difficulty.

[bangon04]

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.

Uhhhh where have you been for the last 100 years??

[AZBill]

The scammers being scammed! You got to love it Now they can see what it's like to try to get their lazy and corrupt government to do anything

[mca]

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

No wonder she is not doing anything about it, she is shivering in her boots, because if she does, she want be around for much longer,

Russian Mafia is a lot more BRUTAL than the Italian, it want be long before they take over the whole of Thailand. I have already spotted quite a few in Chiang Mai also,

That will be the end of a peaceful Chiang Mai, they are like Cokratches. Lets just hope they stay at the seaside resorts in the South.

Cokratches? whats that? Is that the button right next to Speal Chack?

No it means the poster is in fact Tony Montana.

[Credo]

When I have family visiting, there are a number of local tours (BKK--not Phuket), that I routinely send them on. Most are quite good and reasonably priced and enjoyable. One famous landmark, however, has some not so good tour guides. I usually accompany family members, but let the guide show them around. I've been there many times. It's amazing how the years, facts and other questions change from one operator to another. I would never correct them, because it's not all that important, but a few are full of complete BS.

[WilliaminBKK]

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

WOW - some things just wont die for you americans?

I believe it was Michal J Fox who said when asked the difference between Canadians and Americans.

America thinks Russia is the arch enemy, Canada thinks Russia has the second best hockey players in the world.

[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.

excuse me. the chinese r already here and run thailand financially and have been doing so for decades!!!

I guess a smiling face may have given some people a clue to my sense of humor but the Indian and Burmese reference along withe the Chinese, I thought would be enough. I will try to do better the next time.