Fear Of Attacks On Phuket's New Airport Buses Delays Launch Date

[bunnaag]

the taxi and tuk tuk driv ers are run by the taxi and tuk tuk owners probably political friends of the governor

[toenail]

Sad how paradise changes...my first time to Phuket was back in 1982 --beautiful beaches and Karen beach only had bungalows. nice local people.... Now, I won't go there because of the tuk tuk mafia and pushy shopkeepers and I live in Pattaya!!!!! That is how low Phuket has gotten.(Let's face it, most Thais from the south are not as friendly as the Thais from up north or Isaan.)

[harrycallahan]

The trial run wasn't such a success

[up-country_sinclair]

^

Your namesake is just the person needed to work on this problem.

[harrycallahan]

^ Hey I just realised!

Did you know what film the bus pic is from? (and who starred in it?)

[up-country_sinclair]

Clint in "The Gauntlet". I think it was mentioned earlier in the thread.

[wellred]

Can someone summarize what's happened in the last 24 hours? Not able to wade through these pages but has the plan now been abandoned?

[LivinginKata]

Can someone summarize what's happened in the last 24 hours? Not able to wade through these pages but has the plan now been abandoned?

"The committee agreed “in principle” to approve the new service, but vetoed the launch on the condition that tuk-tuk and taxi drivers be consulted first on whether or not they would accept it.

A gravely disappointed Mr Teerayut told the Phuket Gazette, “Actually, today I expected the committee to approve the PLTO's issuance of the needed permit to the bus operator, OS Car Rent & Tour, but they didn’t.”

Instead, the committee supported the suggestion by its chairman, Phuket Vice Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada, that local tuk-tuk and taxi drivers be consulted first before approving any official steps toward launching the new service."

And that committee will not meet again until 15 May 2013

[meatboy]

committee wanted a decision now,taxi and tuk tuk drivers said 8 weeks or else.

[Felt 35]

Why not use the money and "new buses" on the existing Airport bus routhe which also cater more to the local public which in majority live in town than some "hopon-of" bus to beaches where very few local Thais go anyway. They who go there work in a hotel which again have their own transportation, i.e. staff buses.

[DiNiro]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

[jocko]

committee wanted a decision now,taxi and tuk tuk drivers said 8 weeks or else.

The 8 weeks will give the mafia the time to build parking spots for the tuk tuk near the bus stops which will be in the middle of nowhere .

[DiNiro]

Too bad Thai journalists are a bunch of pussies and let the influential criminals off the hook.

[Yahooka]

They keep mixing local people and taxi drivers, as if they are the same people. If they are so concerned about what people think, then have a vote on the Island, and see if the local people want to be ruled by the taxi mafia or the government they have elected - oh thats right, they already did.

I bet if they asked the locals on Phuket, they would want the bus service, and they would also want every taxi and tuktuk driver thrown out of the island!

It depends what you define as "locals".The original inhabitans of Phuket profits on this scheme and on tourism in general and have no reason to protest.

And the "locals" who have moved to Phuket from other areas of Thailand have no influence in the ways things are done in Phuket and never will.

[Pomthai]

Why not make the import duty on all Daihatsu and other Tuktuk manufactures vehicles and parts, I dunno, 7,000 or 8,000 percent. Play them at their own game. Same goes for red and yellow paint. Make it UN-economical to operate and maintain tuktuks.( as if they're maintained)

[eezergood]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Erm yes they do...........herein lies the problem

[WilliamTaylor]

Any new developments?
MUST READ MORE TUK-TUK NEWS....

[Udox]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

[NamKangMan]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

I would add that "those HillBilly Thugs" have done untold damage to the tourism industry here.

The way they restrict EVERYONE'S freedom of movement around the island has made Phuket a less attractive place for a holiday.

[steelepulse]

Those hillbilly thugs are puppets on their masters strings and are allowed to do so through their monthly contributions. What is that old saying..... "Follow the money".

[watcharacters]

What is the going rate for an enterprising young Thai lad to become a tuk tuk driver with his own tuk tuk in Phuket these days?

[iSabai]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

I would add that "those HillBilly Thugs" have done untold damage to the tourism industry here.

The way they restrict EVERYONE'S freedom of movement around the island has made Phuket a less attractive place for a holiday.

Untold damage? According to some sources the tourist numbers have been and will continue to rise.

And, I see loads and loads of people happily riding in the back of said tuk tuks every day. Six or more people at a time sometimes, from old grandma and grandpa farang, to younger dudes with their holiday girlfriends, to 3 or 4 young farang women holiday makers going to or coming from the beach, and families with kids in tow on their way to/from wherever.

I've heard the same "these people are killing tourism in Phuket" comments for years. But haven't seen any evidence of that yet.

[eezergood]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

I would add that "those HillBilly Thugs" have done untold damage to the tourism industry here.

The way they restrict EVERYONE'S freedom of movement around the island has made Phuket a less attractive place for a holiday.

Untold damage? According to some sources the tourist numbers have been and will continue to rise.

And, I see loads and loads of people happily riding in the back of said tuk tuks every day. Six or more people at a time sometimes, from old grandma and grandpa farang, to younger dudes with their holiday girlfriends, to 3 or 4 young farang women holiday makers going to or coming from the beach, and families with kids in tow on their way to/from wherever.

I've heard the same "these people are killing tourism in Phuket" comments for years. But haven't seen any evidence of that yet.

Quantity yes - quality NO!!! look at the number of so called Zero Baht Toursists now......

[eezergood]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

I would add that "those HillBilly Thugs" have done untold damage to the tourism industry here.

The way they restrict EVERYONE'S freedom of movement around the island has made Phuket a less attractive place for a holiday.

Not to mention the Hotels that have been forced to close due to the terror tactics used by these hillbilly's

[Arkady]

Why does the vice governor say it is necessary to consult tuk tuk and taxi drivers?

Did they consult them in Bangkok before opening the rail link to Swampy?

Oh of course. He is responsible for vice.

[kimamey]

The fact that they will postpone the launch in order to "confer" with these thugs says it all. They shouldn't confer, but rather read them the Riot Act. Armed security on board and escort vehicles will be necessary, but Thailand has a good deal of expertise in this regard.

It's time to drive these cockroaches back down the drain they crawled out of.

They are the absolute bane of the entire tourism industry. In what other tourist destination in the world is a hotel room cheaper than a 30-minute taxi ride?

Kata-Karon is the worst. Let's not forget that it wasn't long ago these vermin blocked the beach road right in front of the new Karon Police Station to protest (legal) competition. End result? The police did absolutely nothing and provincial hall caved in to their demands.

Why are they consulting now. Surely they knew this would happen and should have done it earlier. I realise that 'consultation' probably isn' the right word.

[LivinginKata]

The fact that they will postpone the launch in order to "confer" with these thugs says it all. They shouldn't confer, but rather read them the Riot Act. Armed security on board and escort vehicles will be necessary, but Thailand has a good deal of expertise in this regard.

It's time to drive these cockroaches back down the drain they crawled out of.

They are the absolute bane of the entire tourism industry. In what other tourist destination in the world is a hotel room cheaper than a 30-minute taxi ride?

Kata-Karon is the worst. Let's not forget that it wasn't long ago these vermin blocked the beach road right in front of the new Karon Police Station to protest (legal) competition. End result? The police did absolutely nothing and provincial hall caved in to their demands.

Why are they consulting now. Surely they knew this would happen and should have done it earlier. I realise that 'consultation' probably isn' the right word.

Exactly ... so looking back at a previous news article --->

The governor said he had been assured the island’s taxi drivers, long known for their intolerance of any interference in their lucrative trade, will not be affected by the new bus service, to be called the Phuket Airport Bus Express.

“This will not affect the taxi drivers. It is a different service that appeals to a different type of tourist. People will still use the taxis to go to and from the airport,” Governor Maitri said.

The person who said this asked not to be named, and told the Gazette, “I do not believe that local taxi and tuk-tuk drivers will be okay with this. The bus will take money from us. We are just local people trying to make ends meet day by day.”

Patong Taxi Association president Settasak Buason was more convivial.

“I don’t know about other taxi drivers, but our 500 members do not have any problems with it,” he said.

“I think we are looking at this in different ways. Of course taxi drivers will be affected, but the government has their reasons for developing public transport in order to give people another option.

“Our drivers understand that. Some other drivers may not,” Mr Settasak said.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...tlet-20518.html

[jocko]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

I would add that "those HillBilly Thugs" have done untold damage to the tourism industry here.

The way they restrict EVERYONE'S freedom of movement around the island has made Phuket a less attractive place for a holiday.

The problem is there are still plenty of tourists coming to Phuket so there is still plenty of passengers for the tuk tuk so as far as they are concerned everything us tickty boo .

But I know what you mean but we have no influence god knows when they will see the writing on the wall .

Right now they still own the place.

[NamKangMan]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

I would add that "those HillBilly Thugs" have done untold damage to the tourism industry here.

The way they restrict EVERYONE'S freedom of movement around the island has made Phuket a less attractive place for a holiday.

The problem is there are still plenty of tourists coming to Phuket so there is still plenty of passengers for the tuk tuk so as far as they are concerned everything us tickty boo .

But I know what you mean but we have no influence god knows when they will see the writing on the wall .

Right now they still own the place.

Well, just announced today, the majority of the tourism market here is 22% Chinese and 15% Russian. That's 37% of the tourism market, the majority on package holidays - yes, that means the big coach bus to drive them all around, not everyone catching tuk-tuks. So, I don't think the tuk-tuks have as much business as they used to.

The West European, British and Scandi market has shrunk so much in recent times. I doubt they will be back. I'm not saying they are not coming back to Thailand, just not back to Phuket.

I'm sure the rubbish transport system here played a role in the loss of a big slice of that market.

I will not even mention the hundreds killed on this island as a result of using motorbikes, due to the unavailability and/or unaffordability of proper public transport here.

Edited March 21, 2013 by NamKangMan

[jocko]

Who really owns the tuk tuks?

A bunch of hillbilly thugs that drive the things certainly don't have the power to pull off this crap.

Those 'Hillbilly Thugs' have the power to hold up the US Navy Ships and barricade the roads, those HillBilly Thugs have the power to force cruise ship passengers not to disembark on their tour of Phuket Island in pre-booked minivans, Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to beat up tour reps and drivers who 'dare' to enter into their territory, those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to demand payment if a tour company or rep. wants to pick up a hotel guest where the 'Thugs' operate from. Those Hillbilly Thugs have the power to smash up a Russian Tour shop in full view and the support of the police - who said "they (taxi drivers) had a right to be angry (at the tour company)"

Shall I go on ?

Still think they have no power?

I would add that "those HillBilly Thugs" have done untold damage to the tourism industry here.

The way they restrict EVERYONE'S freedom of movement around the island has made Phuket a less attractive place for a holiday.

The problem is there are still plenty of tourists coming to Phuket so there is still plenty of passengers for the tuk tuk so as far as they are concerned everything us tickty boo .

But I know what you mean but we have no influence god knows when they will see the writing on the wall .

Right now they still own the place.

Well, just announced today, the majority of the tourism market here is 22% Chinese and 15% Russian. That's 37% of the tourism market, the majority on package holidays - yes, that means the big coach bus to drive them all around, not everyone catching tuk-tuks. So, I don't think the tuk-tuks have as much business as they used to.

The West European, British and Scandi market has shrunk so much in recent times. I doubt they will be back. I'm not saying they are not coming back to Thailand, just not back to Phuket.

I'm sure the rubbish transport system here played a role in the loss of a big slice of that market.

I agree but my watering spot is on soi sansabai and i see and hear the tuk tuk going by with punters dont forget the big bus is not so good around Patong so maybe its for local journeys.