‘Mr Big’ backs changes in Phuket taxi, tuk-tuk system

[Lite Beer]

‘Mr Big’ backs changes in Phuket taxi, tuk-tuk system

PHUKET: Businessman Prap Keesin, the president of the Patong Taxi Federation, which includes tuk-tuks, has thrown his weight behind the new Army-backed proposals for organising the island’s taxis and tuk-tuks.

Speaking exclusively with The Phuket News’ sister outlet, Phuket News TV, he backed the setting up of call centres, using radios or possibly mobile phone apps, so that drivers would not need to take up public parking, set up “ugly booths”, or claim exclusive territory

“Everyone could stay at home and wait for the call,” said Mr Prap, sometimes referred to as the “Mr Big” of Patong

He also advocated education for taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, of six to 12 months, to ensure they have “service minds”, have some foreign language skills and are good drivers. Following an examination they would receive licences allowing them to drive whatever kind of public service vehicle they could afford.

Mr Prap said he had attempted to bring some order to the chaotic taxi scene by forming the Patong Taxi Federation, aiming for step-by-step improvement through education. But basically, he said, he can only persuade; he is powerless to impose change. That is down to officials.

“But the government does not control the industry. It’s easy for anyone to get into taxi business.” He cited a lack of cooperation between transport officials and police as one of the problems. “And in Thailand officials are always changing, and the new one maybe doesn’t care about this [the way his predecessor did].”

The current drive to clean up the taxi scene is, he said, “a good start”. But asked if the situation would slide back into chaos when elected governments return, he showed less optimism.

He also feels the government are missing the point when they concentrate on “black”, white, green and yellow registration plates.

“It’s not [the plates], its the people, the drivers,” he explained.

He advocated one examination for those who really want to be taxi drivers, in which they would have to demonstrate they know how to drive and know how to take care of passengers. “If they have the correct mindset, plate colour does not matter; they will give good service and will not cheat people.”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/%E2%80%98mr-big%E2%80%99-backs-changes-in-phuket-taxi-tuk-tuk-system-47556.php

-- Phuket News 2014-07-27

[iReason]

"He also advocated education for taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, of six to 12 months, to ensure they have “service minds”

"But asked if the situation would slide back into chaos when elected governments return, he showed less optimism."

Just like everything else. (You read it here first) Thai's are nothing else if not patient...

A few recent quotes from the General:

"had no intention of harming or destroying any person in particular."

"We have learned some lessons and we don't want past mistakes to happen again."

"...which would render the military's power seizure and efforts a waste of time."

Edited July 27, 2014 by iReason

[Cuchulainn]

.........“Everyone could stay at home and wait for the call,” said Mr Prap, sometimes referred to as the “Mr Big” of Patong.........

They could, but.........................

I don't think they will, eh?

[NamKangMan]

"Everyone could stay at home and wait for the call,” - they could also drive around as baht buses, like in Pattaya, with the drivers making more money, whilst offering a better service to tourists, local and expats.

Of course, "Mr. Big" wouldn't know how much money the drivers make on a shift, therefore how much they have to pay him, would he?

Edited July 27, 2014 by NamKangMan

[alfalfa19]

How nice that he decides to play nice now, with a bit of prodding from the army. It seems that none of the transport thuggery and ripoffs which have plagued Phuket for many years could have happened without approval and cooperation from this character.

[Trouble]

This is all such a joke. If the government wanted to clean it up it would be easy. All taxis have a license given by the government to perform such service. I don't quite understand all the difference colored plates for transport service in Phuket but it needs to go. Most importantly taxis should have meters. At the airport the Airport Authority enforces the taxi queue. I don't know the ins and outs of the taxi services in Bangkok but it seems to work just fine. As long as you insure the meter is on your fine. Generally good service and cheap.

[razer]

Mr. Big is obviously a conduit in the mafia chain of command. Strict government regulation and enforcement is required in public transport services. When this happens, public transport will evolve to the quality you find in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and other Asian countries... There can be no corruption for things to work well.

[steelepulse]

He'll still have his fingers in the pie, thanks to those association "dues", so of course he professes to side with the Army. Now, if they disbanded associations, made all drivers use meters, he'd be singing a different tune.

[Traveling Sailor]

“It’s not [the plates], its the people, the drivers,” he explained.

He advocated one examination for those who really want to be taxi drivers, in which they would have to demonstrate they know how to drive and know how to take care of passengers. “If they have the correct mindset, plate colour does not matter; they will give good service and will not cheat people.”

This part I agree with for Thailand. This, as well as strict regulation, should do the job.

[thumbs up]

PHUKET: New fare rates for metered and unmetered taxis on Phuket are revealed for the first time, Phuketwan reports tonight.

The fares pitch metered cabs as being lower in price than non-metered cabs - which means meter cabs should quickly become more popular.

Comparisons between the new fares show there's a large difference that grows with longer trips.

The new fares and meter rates are only waiting on approval from the National Peace and Order Council.

The new rules and fares rates were endorsed by Governor Maitree Intrusud on July 25 and now are only awaiting the final approval of the military's NCPO, which took over in Thailand on May 22.

Agreed rates for green plate taxis are as follows:

Phuket Airport to Phuket City 550 baht

Phuket Airport to to Chalong 650 baht

Phuket Airport to Patong 800 baht

Phuket Airport to Karon 1000 baht

Phuket Airport to Laguna 700 baht

Phuket Airport to Cape Panwa 750 baht

Phuket Airport to Rawai 1000 baht

Estimated cost of meter taxis is as follows:

Phuket Airport to Phuket City 400 baht

Phuket Airport to Chalong 470 baht

Phuket Airport to Patong 500 baht

Phuket Airport to Karon 600 baht

Phuket Airport to Laguna 300 baht

Phuket Airport to Cape Panwa 520 baht

Phuket Airport to Rawai 620 baht

The meter cabs will charge a flagfall of 50 baht, 50 baht for the first two kilometres, then 12 baht between 3-15 kilometres, and 10 baht per kilometer after that.

To register, taxis must be under six years old and be of 1500 cc or more.

Enjoy.

[Shot]

Agreed rates for green plate taxis are as follows:

Phuket Airport to Phuket City 550 baht
Phuket Airport to to Chalong 650 baht
Phuket Airport to Patong 800 baht
Phuket Airport to Karon 1000 baht
Phuket Airport to Laguna 700 baht
Phuket Airport to Cape Panwa 750 baht
Phuket Airport to Rawai 1000 baht

Estimated cost of meter taxis is as follows: dif %

Phuket Airport to Phuket City 400 baht 37.5%
Phuket Airport to Chalong 470 baht 38.3%
Phuket Airport to Patong 500 baht 60.0%
Phuket Airport to Karon 600 baht 66.6%
Phuket Airport to Laguna 300 baht Holy crap%
Phuket Airport to Cape Panwa 520 baht 44.2%
Phuket Airport to Rawai 620 baht 61%