Officials To Inspect Business Licenses Of All Foreigner Owned Tourism Businesses In Phuket

[george]

CRACKDOWN ON ALIENS

Taxi drivers trigger full inquest into all Phuket tour business

Phuket Gazette - Thursday, January 31, 2013 8:31:29 PM

Any problems caused by foreigner-run tour agencies are to be reported

directly to Phuket Vice Governor Chamroen. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- Phuket Vice Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada has ordered the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) to inspect the business licenses of all tourism businesses across Phuket that have foreigners registered as part-owners.

The news follows an inspection raid of a single tour operator in Bang Tao, on Phuket’s central western coast, at the request of local taxi drivers yesterday.

newsjs

The taxi drivers’ complaint: “foreign business operators” were [allegedly] stealing their jobs.

Vice Governor Chamroen joined PPEO Chief Yawapa Pibulpol in verifying the business license of the Marusya Travel office (website here) at Bang Tao, which was found to be fully compliant with the law.

“I visited Bang Tao today to see the problem with my own eyes. There are two issues that we still have to deal with…

“First, we have to check if foreign operators [sic] in the area have the correct business licenses and work permits. Second, we have to find out if the foreign-owned businesses are still causing trouble for the local business operators,” Vice Governor Chamroen said.

“I have assigned officers from the Employment Office and those from other relevant organizations to verify the licenses of all foreign-owned businesses in Phuket and to identify any problems that they might be causing for local operators,” he added.

Any such problems are to be reported directly to V/Gov Chamroen so that he can establish a long-term solution.

Cherng Talay Taxi Network president Winai Jiruksa thanked V/Gov Chamroen for taking the issue seriously.

“I am glad that the Phuket government is supporting us and helping us to resolve the problem,” Mr Winai said.

“They obviously care about our problem and are taking serious action against illegal foreign business operators,” he added.

The raid yesterday followed a mob of taxi drivers at Bang Tao forcing the “voluntary” closure of a legally operated tourism business that focused on providing services to Russian tourists (story here).

Marusya Travel, which has at least four offices in Phuket, also provides services to Russian tourists.

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-01-31

[NomadJoe]

Seems we go through this every year.

[cloudhopper]

Apparently free enterprise competition=causing trouble, in Thailand.

[JetsetBkk]

"...to identify any problems that they might be causing for local operators,” he added.

What, you mean like "providing a better service at competitive prices"? It's called "competition", you

“I am glad that the Phuket government is supporting us and helping us to resolve the problem,” Mr Winai said.

Be careful what you wish for. The resolution may be that everything is in order and you need to lower your prices to compete, or find another job.

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Edited January 31, 2013 by JetsetBkk

[NamKangMan]

"Vice Governor Chamroen joined PPEO Chief Yawapa Pibulpol in verifying the business license of the Marusya Travel office (website here) at Bang Tao, which was found to be fully compliant with the law."

“They obviously care about our problem and are taking serious action against illegal foreign business operators,” he added."

The business was legal.

Can someone tell the tuk-tuks that just because a tour agency arranges better, and cheaper, transport for their customers, that doesn't make them illegal.

[themarper]

Before than bored Legal business, WHY they not start to use meter in Tuk Tuk. ??

Ooh sorry because they are thai...

[DiamondKing]

The tour agency was found to be fully legal and compliant

Hmmmmm sounds more like they dont like competition how can they stop a business that is fully legal OH YEAH illegally close it by intimidation

TIT

[realenglish1]

This is Thailand the Thais don't want a level playing field They know they cannot compete

[robkey69]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

[BTM]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

and that is where?

[steelepulse]

Wash, rinse, repeat. These crackdowns happen biannualy, Only difference this time is that the local mafia that calls themselves a taxi tuktuk organization, is the one behind the crackdown and not the government. Amazing what those monthly membership federation dues paid by all drivers will get you in the way of gov't officials.

Let's do some basic math here, around 2000 drivers in the "federation" paying 10K per month in "membership fees" and that's 20 million reasons why things won't get better in the near future in regards to a legit transport solution. 20 million cups of tea goes a long way. This reminds me of the documentaries about the Columbians, either take the tea and get rich, or object and get hurt/dead.

[Tboy928]

Apparently free enterprise competition=causing trouble, in Thailand.

Did i miss something?? is not a thai driver that drive this tour people the places they want go ? Smell racism and protectionism long way!!!

start with get controlled meters in all CABS, and tuk tuks

[annabel]

"Vice Governor Chamroen joined PPEO Chief Yawapa Pibulpol in verifying the business license of the Marusya Travel office (website here) at Bang Tao, which was found to be fully compliant with the law."

“They obviously care about our problem and are taking serious action against illegal foreign business operators,” he added."

The business was legal.

Can someone tell the tuk-tuks that just because a tour agency arranges better, and cheaper, transport for their customers, that doesn't make them illegal.

OMG ,,,!! Noooo Way !! They have the same ear problem as Chalerm !! And can't afford the ear drops he uses .. What is wrong with you >????

[Headgame]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Huh? Exactly why do I need leave TH?

[lemoncake]

I am only speculating, but if they push out all the Russian operators, no doubt Russians will not step a foot there, take a large chunk of numbers out of circulation. so who will be protesting then?

[spidermike007]

Of course this is an issue. When you have well run businesses, run by people who understand the international markets, the concepts of correct and intelligent marketing, and the elements involved in competitive pricing, and customer service, the Thai businesses simply cannot compete. So, when you cannot compete, what do you do? You try to eliminate the competition. But, from what I hear, it was a Thai operator here, who was doing the local trade, So, it seems that the issue is simply the right to overcharge for a service. When the Phuket insects are getting 200 baht for a 1.5km ride, and 1,000 baht for a ride to and from the airport, there is a lot of room for improvement. But, unfortunately, as usual, the authorities do not have the wisdom to see the benefits of service, over extreme profits. Nobody minds a decent profit. Everybody minds extortion. Let us find a scapegoat. Who will lose in the end?mthe tourists who are supporting Thailand's tourism industry.

[happysanook]

checking the paperwork on only foreign owned businesses... it doesn't get much more ignorant than this. far higher % of Thai businesses operating illegally.

[Tboy928]

Wash, rinse, repeat. These crackdowns happen biannualy, Only difference this time is that the local mafia that calls themselves a taxi tuktuk organization, is the one behind the crackdown and not the government. Amazing what those monthly membership federation dues paid by all drivers will get you in the way of gov't officials.

Let's do some basic math here, around 2000 drivers in the "federation" paying 10K per month in "membership fees" and that's 20 million reasons why things won't get better in the near future in regards to a legit transport solution. 20 million cups of tea goes a long way. This reminds me of the documentaries about the Columbians, either take the tea and get rich, or object and get hurt/dead.

BUT should not some goverment people look at this FEE, and how legal this fee is under Thailand law , what the TUK TUK mafia members pay !!

[Skorz]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Good luck with finding another country where you can get a decent ride, fresh curry and a beer for under 20 quid.

[spidermike007]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Huh? Exactly why do I need leave TH?

Pease provide us with a list of your top five spots you are suggesting. Please bear in mind:

1. How delightful are the local people?

2. How reasonable is the place to live?

3. How food is the local cuisine?

4. What about the local women? Are they attractive? Open to relationships with foreigners?

It is fine to say you want to leave, but where to?

[taxin]

Seems we go through this every year.

I would say at least 3 times a year...

[fxe1200]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

and that is where?

Maluku Selatan!

[Skorz]

This is Thailand the Thais don't want a level playing field They know they cannot compete

Well said.

[Skorz]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Huh? Exactly why do I need leave TH?

Pease provide us with a list of your top five spots you are suggesting. Please bear in mind:

1. How delightful are the local people?

2. How reasonable is the place to live?

3. How food is the local cuisine?

4. What about the local women? Are they attractive? Open to relationships with foreigners?

It is fine to say you want to leave, but where to?

As I said earlier, G=good luck with finding another country where you can get a decent ride, fresh curry and a beer for under 20 quid.

[HansVilder]

farang owned tour businesses eh?

next it will be farang owned restaurants... farang owned bars... farang owned guesthouses...

[rattler]

"Any such problems are to be reported directly to V/Gov Chamroen so that he can establish a long-term solution"...= PAY US MORE MONEY

What a bunch of ( insert your own expletives.with an "s")

[Jayroo]

More reasons not to visit disgusting Phuket.

[indieke]

More reasons not to visit disgusting Phuket.

And you would say this is any better, then in any "big market" tourist destination? As long as foreigners bring the bucks in, they are welcome, If you start to compete with them, be happy it is only this and not a gun against your head. Would not like to know, how many "competitors" have been erased from the planet.

Phuket, Thailand, is not the place where foreigners are welcomed any more to open new businesses. But it is like this all over the world, where the locals prefer to do their own, except when it gives employment to everybody, like the coca cola company, where they not have to compete against, or a big international hotel, that gives labour to everybody.

This is called tourism INDUSTRY, and when a destination is popular, you have the same experience , in Spain, Morocco, Bali, France, or Madagascar......

[cedel]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

and that is where?

Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar....

[Shenta]

ummm... welcome to Thailand...

Thais protect Thais, this is something easy to understand, for some Thais, we are guest for their country, but for some, we are beggars, begging for staying in their country.

For those who want to know more, could do some reading on the KMT 93rd divison in Mae Salong during the 40's.

South of Thailand, the muslim community helped each other, do u ever see "crack down on foreign own buz in Somkra...???"

and do u know how much foreign capital / business is running now in the south?

again... welcome to Thailand

Edited January 31, 2013 by Shenta