Patong taxi mafia ‘will be targeted soon’ as part of Phuket crackdown

[Lite Beer]

Patong taxi mafia ‘will be targeted soon’ as part of Phuket crackdown
Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: The police officer behind the four-month investigation of “mafia” taxi operation in Phuket, and the planner for the mass arrests and surrenders that have taken place over the past few days, says that Patong is also on his list of targets.

Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin: 'Pian Keesin called me. He asked me whether I was going to arrest him.'
He confirmed that the former mayor of Patong, Pian Keesin, will be among those he will want to talk to at Phuket Provincial Police HQ.

In an exclusive interview, The Phuket News, asked Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin, Deputy Commissioner of Region 8 Police, whether action would be taken soon against “mafia” taxi activities in Patong.

“If my commander [Pol Lt Gen Panya Mamen] gives the order for us to stay here and continue, we will.

“The main target area here is Patong which is controlled by influential people – local politicians. If this were within our powers, we’d already have warrants for these people. But it’s not, so we’ve appealed to the National Crime Suppression Division and already sent them the case.

“We believe that if we’re able to defuse the local power, the local people will step forward and help us to solve the problem with tuk tuks.”

He added, “Pian Keesin called me. I was surprised because I have never before received a phone call from him.

“He asked me whether I was going to arrest him. I told him, ‘It’s not your turn yet. But soon, for sure.’

“Mr Pian asked me to take care of him.”

Asked whether other people in Patong would be targeted, Gen Paween confirmed that Mr Pian’s son, Preechawuth “Prap” Keesin, was also on the list.

Neither Mr Pian nor his son could be reached immediately for comment, but Gen Paween feels confident he can clean up Phuket’s party town.“I will do this, if [Gen Panya] lets me.

“When he asked me to come to Phuket, I asked him, ‘Are you sure? Because if I go then I will do my very best. Please don’t put the brakes on.’”

As he spoke with The Phuket News, municipal workers guarded by hundreds of police were backing up yesterday’s mass arrests of “mafia” taxi drivers by ripping down their drivers’ “offices” outside some of Phuket’s best-known hotels, including Twin Palms and the Doubletree at Surin Beach.

Gen Paween told The Phuket News, “The Crime Suppression Police are carrying out this action against taxi drivers in Kata-Karon, Cherng Talay and Kamala.

“It has taken us just three months to investigate and take action on 111 cases [of mafia taxi activity involving 108 people]. If I stay here longer I am confident we will be able to clean up all of the island.

“There may be other officers who are better for this job than me, so long as they have the courage, and are steady and honest; officers who do not think about themselves.

“I am a straightforward person. I never treat anyone badly. I simply follow what the evidence tells me. I’m not scared. The bad guys have to be scared of me.

“I always tell my officers not to take bribes. If I find any of them doing so, I kick them out of the team.

“I also tell them not to have any special agenda with people [outside the team]. They must think about one thing only: doing their jobs probably.”

Gen Paween also spoke about the Mayor of Karon, Tawee Thongcham, who surrendered yesterday (June 4) to answer charges of collusion with taxi drivers in Kata and Karon.

“During the four months of our investigations we found a lot of evidence pointing to Mr Tawee. He basically gave the municipal sala area to the taxi drivers, along with free electricity and water paid for by the public.

“Mr Tawee had also failed in his duty to stop illegal activities. So we had to arrest him.

“Some of the local police officers suddenly wanted to go and confront him but I knew that all we had to do was wait and he would turn himself in because he has a position [in society to maintain].

“I do not give any value to him. If I’d had my way he would have been arrested and investigated by the lowest-ranking officers.”

Asked how many other politicians, apart from Mr Tawee, were on the list for the anti-mafia-taxi drive, he said, “All of them.

“In Mr Tawee’s case there was very clear evidence. But you can observe that every OrBorTor allocates to taxi drivers a place that belongs to the public. If the OrBorTor did not give them permission, they could not build their stands there.”

He said that, for the drivers targeted, yesterday’s arrests came like a bolt from the blue. “The taxi drivers were confident of their power and were surprised and shocked to be arrested. Their families, too. They never thought this day would come. But the teams went in hard and fast.

“I am confident all 108 will be arrested. They may escape for now, but they will be arrested. People on the run become tired and worried about where they can stay, where they can sleep.”

At a press conference this afternoon, police announced that more of the wanted taxi drivers had surrendered, bringing the total in custody to 95.

Gen Paween garnered a reputation in Phuket for honesty when he was assigned to take over Kathu Police Station in Patong, a decade ago, after growing resentment over rampant police corruption there got way out of hand. He very quickly damped down the situation.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/patong-taxi-mafia-%E2%80%98will-be-targeted-soon%E2%80%99-as-part-of-phuket-crackdown-46687.php

-- Phuket News 2014-06-05

[LivinginKata]

Let's all hope this is for real and not the usual lip service.

[edwardandtubs]

Nice of the police to warn them they're coming.

[terryp]

the corruption on both Phuket and Samui are so deep it will never happen, these guys always start wilth "i am going to do this and that..blah blah blah" ...and they always end up more corrupt than the last parasite

radical and serious mass arrests with serious prison time and confiscation of ALL FAMILY ASSETS (that can be linked by serious on going investigation) is the only way and a bullet in the head of course after prison that is

[JetsetBkk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aXpty_1xo4

[davejones23]

And can they sort out the taxi drivers at Hua Lamphong train station that refuse to use their meters. I've even heard other taxi drivers complaining about it. Really needs sorting out.

[lawrence1366]

And can they sort out the taxi drivers at Hua Lamphong train station that refuse to use their meters. I've even heard other taxi drivers complaining about it. Really needs sorting out.

Very simple, get out the taxi like people I know or read on this forum, if they refused to flag the meter down. There are others who are willing to flag the meter. If everyone does take this action whenever it happens, very soon such taxis will have no customers.

[JesseFrank]

Nice of the police to warn them they're coming.

10-9-8-7-6- who isn't hiding will be seen 5-4-3-2-1 here I come

[bob4you]

Just because we had lip service in the past give these guys a chance to prove themselves. Wonderful news if they can pull it off.

[alfalfa19]

This keeps getting better and better. I wonder how long it can last. I particularly like this part, where he refers to the mayor of Karon:

“I do not give any value to him. If I’d had my way he would have been arrested and investigated by the lowest-ranking officers.”

[IamNoone88]

Perhaps they can do the aiport next where similar problems have existed in the past and fees still remain twice as much as Bangkok. 750 Baht to Kamala is extortionate.

[bluweyze]

Perhaps they can do the aiport next where similar problems have existed in the past and fees still remain twice as much as Bangkok. 750 Baht to Kamala is extortionate.

It is of course possible that the reason for high prices FROM the airport is that they are unable to find rides OUT to the airport because of the corruption. We have been told by taxi drivers if they collected us from our hotel in Karon to the airport they could get a bullet in the head. They run out there empty. Most of the drivers waiting at the airport are not part of the corruption.

[samuibruno]

Hopefully this guys coming to samui

[skorchio]

If they want to hit this group where it hurts, forcefully introduce meter taxis island wide, driven by tourist-friendly cops or soldiers, at the same rate as a BKK taxi, but higher pickup charge due to shorter distances. Hundreds of taxis, millions of taxis, every fughing colour of taxis

[stevehaigh]

"They must think about one thing only: doing their jobs probably.” i think they mean 'properly', but its kind of funny the way they wrote it

[Sparkles]

And can they sort out the taxi drivers at Hua Lamphong train station that refuse to use their meters. I've even heard other taxi drivers complaining about it. Really needs sorting out.

Very simple, get out the taxi like people I know or read on this forum, if they refused to flag the meter down. There are others who are willing to flag the meter. If everyone does take this action whenever it happens, very soon such taxis will have no customers.

Always ask "meter" before you get in ,saves a lot of messing around.

[harrry]

And can they sort out the taxi drivers at Hua Lamphong train station that refuse to use their meters. I've even heard other taxi drivers complaining about it. Really needs sorting out.

Very simple, get out the taxi like people I know or read on this forum, if they refused to flag the meter down. There are others who are willing to flag the meter. If everyone does take this action whenever it happens, very soon such taxis will have no customers.

Always ask "meter" before you get in ,saves a lot of messing around.

No get in before you tell them to turn the meter on.

[leesgems]

Perhaps they can do the aiport next where similar problems have existed in the past and fees still remain twice as much as Bangkok. 750 Baht to Kamala is extortionate.

Corruption at the airport should be eliminated as soon as possible because it is a shame that tourist are victims at their first meeting upon arrival.

[sandhurstmolonski]

This was my point in yesterdays post ... When we going to get to Patong ??

The problem would be , if done properly , there simply wouldn't be a Taxi , Tuk Tuk , Motor Bike Taxi ..left .

Its all a giant swindle in Patong , and the way they go about their business is horrendous .

Walk the Strip from Patong ..Kata Beach 200 barht ? ( still a rip off ) ..No , No , No ..Then after walking around the Corner

up comes the next in Line ..Get in ..Get in ... Same in the Taxi's .

Yet alone the poor Tourist , who jumps in ( 5 of them ) , then driver says the fee is per person . All this stuff , just shouldn't

be happening ..Argue the Valid Fare , and then things really get nasty .

Just avoid the whole lot of them .

[Sandman77]

Why farangs on this island hold together and open there own taxi company's?

I did not found and collecting taxi from beach to other beach

When everyone sit alone in the car everybody pay high price

Now are many taxi apps avalible

Everybody can drive a car can join, it not must be a taxi it can be every car

Every driver can enter in the app

Where and when he drive, and iPhone locate over GPS the nearest one!

In Europe this system works well!

[Travel Dude]

Respect for Gen. Paween. It shows that there are any good police around too that aim to do there job honestly and just.

Looking at his picture he looks honest and straight forward to me.

I hope he has back up from the highest army General and will be able to carry on his good work. If General Paween succeeds he will be the hero of many tourists, locals, expatriates, business man, hotels and many others. Only the maffia does not like him bit they are a minority and will be in jail.

Congratulations General Paween, please keep going. And on behalf of many: THANK YOU !!!

[Travel Dude]

Perhaps they can do the aiport next where similar problems have existed in the past and fees still remain twice as much as Bangkok. 750 Baht to Kamala is extortionate.

It is of course possible that the reason for high prices FROM the airport is that they are unable to find rides OUT to the airport because of the corruption. We have been told by taxi drivers if they collected us from our hotel in Karon to the airport they could get a bullet in the head. They run out there empty. Most of the drivers waiting at the airport are not part of the corruption.

THAT'S ALL VERY TRUE!

[sandhurstmolonski]

And can they sort out the taxi drivers at Hua Lamphong train station that refuse to use their meters. I've even heard other taxi drivers complaining about it. Really needs sorting out.

Very simple, get out the taxi like people I know or read on this forum, if they refused to flag the meter down. There are others who are willing to flag the meter. If everyone does take this action whenever it happens, very soon such taxis will have no customers.

Always ask "meter" before you get in ,saves a lot of messing around.

No get in before you tell them to turn the meter on.

Works well in Bangkok no doubt , always use this principle , Often takes 2 - 3 Cabs but thats fine .

Not always as easy in Phuket , airport is okey if catching cab , will go from Meter .

What about the Mini bus Scam desk before you get out ? 400 Barht at the desk .. 150 Barht outside the Door .

This is the Image a first time Tourist see's as they leave the Airport . Not a good honest welcome .

[sandhurstmolonski]

Respect for Gen. Paween. It shows that there are any good police around too that aim to do there job honestly and just.

Looking at his picture he looks honest and straight forward to me.

I hope he has back up from the highest army General and will be able to carry on his good work. If General Paween succeeds he will be the hero of many tourists, locals, expatriates, business man, hotels and many others. Only the maffia does not like him bit they are a minority and will be in jail.

Congratulations General Paween, please keep going. And on behalf of many: THANK YOU !!!

Couldn't Agree more ..Wishing you Well General Paween .

But , Im sure you know ..It aint going to be easy , this is deep rooted corruption .

[Ianatlarge]

Nahhh. I prefer the old Thailand. A land of simple pleasures, cheaply obtained, and minor annoyances such as the 'mafia'. If things keep going the way they are going in a decade there will be swipe card readers on the beach, ID checks at every corner, and people saying "have a nice day". The 'mafia' are bugging you? Suck it up. No handmaidens please. I prefer life gritty.

[Guest]

This seems to be the first occation, in a very long time, when other parts of the Thailand wish to copy something from Phuket to their environments.

For others: Sorry, but we might be a bit selfish with these guys and will keep them here for a while before we let them to visit to other locations

[retoohs]

Perhaps they can do the aiport next where similar problems have existed in the past and fees still remain twice as much as Bangkok. 750 Baht to Kamala is extor

Even the metered cabs are more expensive in Phuket and Samui than BKK. Do the taxis in Phuket and Samui run on gas as the ones in BKK do. As far as I am aware they do not which is part of the reason for price differences.

[razer]

This military coups seems to be different than the one ousting of Taksin. I came here in 07. After a few years here I thought that the only thing that could save Thailand was a dictator who loved his country more than enriching himself. I was amazed how little respect the people in public service and the people involved in tourism had, for the public image of their country.

[Tchooptip]

Any luck of these guys coming in Samui for a little cleaning up?

[hawker9000]

Don't talk about it. Just do it.