Pim Kemasingki Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 Our intern had a fiery interview with the head of the songtaew co-op. Thought you may find it interesting. "When we return someone’s wallet or bring them back something, no one says anything. You just bring out the negatives to attack us. What is wrong with Thai society, Chiang Mai society? Where would you all be without the cooperative to control everything?" http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/citylife-articles/talking-songtaews/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 (edited) Why send an intern? So many more questions to ask. Ask him what he thinks of the pollution the songtaews cause for instance. Ask him about their efforts to block alternative public transport such as the bus system. As them about their strong lobby etc. Ask him about scamming drivers and dodgy pricing. But you sent the intern.... About the interview...."The rot starts at the top" springs to mind. Edited August 1, 2017 by Bassosa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pim Kemasingki Posted August 1, 2017 Author Share Posted August 1, 2017 9 minutes ago, Bassosa said: Why send an intern? So many more questions to ask. Ask him what he thinks of the pollution the songtaews cause for instance. Ask him about their efforts to block alternative public transport such as the bus system. As them about their strong lobby etc. Ask him about scamming drivers and dodgy pricing. But you sent the intern.... About the interview...."The rot starts at the top" springs to mind. Charming! Anyway, maybe do a bit research first before casting such aspersions? http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/citylife-articles/mess-transit-why-chiang-mai-doesnt-have-public-transportation/ This was our feature article that we did with a full interview...and there have been so many since which covers your questions. One article is not the sum of a publication, but it gives insight as to the mind of Singkham at this time. Which I think is interesting. This particular story was the IDEA of the intern and therefore she wrote it. I am proud of her and think she did a good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 The article mentions "Chuan and Abhisit" Who are they? I might be missing something in the article or perhaps I ought to know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EL159 Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 Pim, sorry, you are looking at this only through your eyes, rose coloured presumably, this guy gets away with almost everything he says, almost without challenge. No questions about pollution. No challenge about the assertion that many songtaews are "air conditioned" , how can they be air conditioned, they are open not closed vehicles, No challenge about the assertion that Uber etc are " illegal".....this gangster mafia bloke gets to make a biased public statement, was your intern paid a fee in exchange for all this free and biased publicity?!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pim Kemasingki Posted August 1, 2017 Author Share Posted August 1, 2017 16 minutes ago, Bassosa said: The article mentions "Chuan and Abhisit" Who are they? I might be missing something in the article or perhaps I ought to know? Ex-Prime Ministers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 1 minute ago, EL159 said: Pim, sorry, you are looking at this only through your eyes, rose coloured presumably, this guy gets away with almost everything he says, almost without challenge. No questions about pollution. No challenge about the assertion that many songtaews are "air conditioned" , how can they be air conditioned, they are open not closed vehicles, No challenge about the assertion that Uber etc are " illegal".....this gangster mafia bloke gets to make a biased public statement, was your intern paid a fee in exchange for all this free and biased publicity?!!!!! And then there's the whole section about their app.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pim Kemasingki Posted August 1, 2017 Author Share Posted August 1, 2017 Just now, EL159 said: Pim, sorry, you are looking at this only through your eyes, rose coloured presumably, this guy gets away with almost everything he says, almost without challenge. No questions about pollution. No challenge about the assertion that many songtaews are "air conditioned" , how can they be air conditioned, they are open not closed vehicles, No challenge about the assertion that Uber etc are " illegal".....this gangster mafia bloke gets to make a biased public statement, was your intern paid a fee in exchange for all this free and biased publicity?!!!!! That's all been covered before in many other stories. We went there to ask about his new app. It was supposed to be a news piece. Then he went on a rant. We thought it was interesting. If you are interested in a deeper story, you may find this interesting, this was the full story I did about transportation in CM. Thanks! http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/citylife-articles/mess-transit-why-chiang-mai-doesnt-have-public-transportation/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EL159 Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 Pim, Have you thought why outfits like Uber are growing in popularity? Its because they DONT rip you off, like Songtaews do, its because they are in fact air conditioned which songtaews ARENT, its because their drivers are invariably friendly and helpful, which songtaew drivers mostly ARENT, its because Uber have an app WHICH WORKS which songtaews DONT, its because with Uber the price is agreed in advance and not challenged at destination, like a lot of songtaews DO. Songtaews are a blight on the landscape of Chiang Mai, they are more trouble than they are worth, they are old, inefficient, polluters of the environment. THATS the type of article we would all like to read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narkeddiver Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 I thought the article gave an interesting insight into the mind of the guy running the songtaews - I think that's more the story than the app - give someone enough rope.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puwa Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 Jesus, what a wingnut. He exhibits all the familiar tropes of the miniature autocrat: "How come you never say anything good about us?"; "Only we get picked on"; and the perennial "Look in the mirror before you criticize." I recall about 10 years ago being in a seminar with the (then) energy minister and about a hundred foreign investors. He gave the keynote, and launched into the same diatribe, "Look at yourself before criticizing us." But nobody was criticizing him or anyone, they were looking for investment opportunities. No one had said anything at all, as he was the first speaker. The guy freaked out at the sight of a foreign audience and went full-on defensive, reactionary xenophobe. Same thing here I guess. Gotta go, my Benz is double parked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nowisee Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 (edited) Get them [Rot Daeng] off the streets for public health and safety. They are traffic jamming nuisances and they pollute. The city needs to come of age and embrace real public transport. The roads are dangerous enough, try and make it reasonably safe for someone to get across town within a reasonable amount of time and safely. Now it's a hot and sweaty, smog filled ClusterF made worse when one of these blocks traffic and then accelerates in a cloud of black exhaust. Or, use them outside ring road 2 or 3... to get people from their homes to the main bus lines that need to be created. Edited August 1, 2017 by Nowisee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 (edited) 30 minutes ago, evenstevens said: nonsense ,fine thats your take, but , leave it to the punters to decide which of the above operators plus the Tuk Tuks ,which type of transport they prefer and need the O/P is downing the Songthaews(which again has been done to death)without taking into consideration the many good years of servicing not just in City Hall boundarys, but Greater Chaingmai in general, the Boss should be given a pat on the back,for return of fire to the novice Intern again leave it to the C/Mai punters to decide who they want instead of a biased O/P, E/S feels very strongly let all the above operators complete on a level playing feild,and lets see who is stlll standing in due course its a More The Merrier good arvo to all You're making the assumption that operators are allowed to compete. They're not. "again leave it to the C/Mai punters to decide who they want" They want bus routes, metered taxis, Uber & Grab. Edited August 1, 2017 by Bassosa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorecard Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 2 hours ago, EL159 said: Pim, sorry, you are looking at this only through your eyes, rose coloured presumably, this guy gets away with almost everything he says, almost without challenge. No questions about pollution. No challenge about the assertion that many songtaews are "air conditioned" , how can they be air conditioned, they are open not closed vehicles, No challenge about the assertion that Uber etc are " illegal".....this gangster mafia bloke gets to make a biased public statement, was your intern paid a fee in exchange for all this free and biased publicity?!!!!! And no challenge about the guys claim that his group 'control everything'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evenstevens Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 14 minutes ago, Bassosa said: You're making the assumption that operators are allowed to compete. They're not. "again leave it to the C/Mai punters to decide who they want" They want bus routes, metered taxis, Uber & Grab. no assumption at all,they are completing against each other right now you say that C/Mai punters want the above ,apart from bus routes,you have 3 out of four.what do you want??? Blood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorecard Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 20 minutes ago, Bassosa said: You're making the assumption that operators are allowed to compete. They're not. "again leave it to the C/Mai punters to decide who they want" They want bus routes, metered taxis, Uber & Grab. Locals also want a monorail system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pim Kemasingki Posted August 1, 2017 Author Share Posted August 1, 2017 1 hour ago, EL159 said: Pim, Have you thought why outfits like Uber are growing in popularity? Its because they DONT rip you off, like Songtaews do, its because they are in fact air conditioned which songtaews ARENT, its because their drivers are invariably friendly and helpful, which songtaew drivers mostly ARENT, its because Uber have an app WHICH WORKS which songtaews DONT, its because with Uber the price is agreed in advance and not challenged at destination, like a lot of songtaews DO. Songtaews are a blight on the landscape of Chiang Mai, they are more trouble than they are worth, they are old, inefficient, polluters of the environment. THATS the type of article we would all like to read. Yes, I have had occasion to tax my mind with such thoughts! And therefore am in agreement with you. Again, if you read the link I have provided twice above, you may get to read the article you mention you long for. I hope you do, it is very informative! 44 minutes ago, evenstevens said: nonsense ,fine thats your take, but , leave it to the punters to decide which of the above operators plus the Tuk Tuks ,which type of transport they prefer and need the O/P is downing the Songthaews(which again has been done to death)without taking into consideration the many good years of servicing not just in City Hall boundarys, but Greater Chaingmai in general, the Boss should be given a pat on the back,for return of fire to the novice Intern again leave it to the C/Mai punters to decide who they want instead of a biased O/P, E/S feels very strongly let all the above operators complete on a level playing feild,and lets see who is stlll standing in due course its a More The Merrier good arvo to all Unfortunately you are wrong. Feedback, readers' letters, requests and comments tell us that this is a story of great interest to a vast number of Thai and expat readers...that is why we keep bringing different perspectives and voices to it. And punters are indeed deciding, hence our articles to give them deeper clarity when we can. Have you read any Thai forums and social media groups where tens of thousands of people are discussing these issues, and most of them condemning songtaews? I would like to guess that you haven't, or you wouldn't be making such uninformed proclamations! Having lived here for 40 years, I know the history of songtaews, and unfortunately I am not impressed. I don't come to ThaiVisa often, and now I remember why; such personal insults and vitriol. I am happy to debate talking points, and really don't mind being corrected when I am wrong, but nastiness just doesn't do it for me! I wish you all well and think I will sign out for another six months! Ciao, and have a lovely day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evenstevens Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 13 minutes ago, Pim Kemasingki said: Unfortunately you are wrong. Feedback, readers' letters, requests and comments tell us that this is a story of great interest to a vast number of Thai and expat readers...that is why we keep bringing different perspectives and voices to it. And punters are indeed deciding, hence our articles to give them deeper clarity when we can. Have you read any Thai forums and social media groups where tens of thousands of people are discussing these issues, and most of them condemning songtaews? I would like to guess that you haven't, or you wouldn't be making such uninformed proclamations! Having lived here for 40 years, I know the history of songtaews, and unfortunately I am not impressed. I don't come to ThaiVisa often, and now I remember why; such personal insults and vitriol. I am happy to debate talking points, and really don't mind being corrected when I am wrong, but nastiness just doesn't do it for me! I wish you all well and think I will sign out for another six months! Ciao, and have a lovely day. no skin off E/S nose that you find my posts wrong,thats your opinion and u are certainly entitled to it but to say they were personal insults and vitriol to you is ridicolous,, just a my view/,opinion and on topic reply to your O/P Ciao ,and have a lovely day too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkles Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, Pim Kemasingki said: Yes, I have had occasion to tax my mind with such thoughts! And therefore am in agreement with you. Again, if you read the link I have provided twice above, you may get to read the article you mention you long for. I hope you do, it is very informative! Unfortunately you are wrong. Feedback, readers' letters, requests and comments tell us that this is a story of great interest to a vast number of Thai and expat readers...that is why we keep bringing different perspectives and voices to it. And punters are indeed deciding, hence our articles to give them deeper clarity when we can. Have you read any Thai forums and social media groups where tens of thousands of people are discussing these issues, and most of them condemning songtaews? I would like to guess that you haven't, or you wouldn't be making such uninformed proclamations! Having lived here for 40 years, I know the history of songtaews, and unfortunately I am not impressed. I don't come to ThaiVisa often, and now I remember why; such personal insults and vitriol. I am happy to debate talking points, and really don't mind being corrected when I am wrong, but nastiness just doesn't do it for me! I wish you all well and think I will sign out for another six months! Ciao, and have a lovely day. Well I found the article interesting as it confirms my impression of the mindset of the Songteaw group that they are the chosen ones and everyone else keep out of our territory.I understand that somewhere in CM there is a compound full of empty ,rusting buses from a previous attempt to provide alternative transport,maybe a story for another day. When catching a metered taxi these day ,you know the ones that have a meter to comply but are not enforced to use it ,that one soon gets an earbashing from the driver about those criminal types driving Uber and Grab cars.Like the days of Thaksin in Bangkok when you were interrogated whether you were a Thaksin supporter.I had a friend asked to get out when he said he was not ,but I digress. CM has a huge pollution problem as we know and the fact that songteaw owners, who pay there way through annual exhaust emmisions tests, is just one of several reasons why they should be bought to heel but I fear they wont. I would also imagine, having worked in the media, that interviewing these people is quite a daunting ,unpleasant and somewhat threatening experience but giving them some rope usually results in them hanging themselves.the intern deserves credit for getting into the cage Not surprised and understandable if you dont come back to Thai Visa which now has probably a far smaller readership that it did 5-10 years ago simply because there are those waiting to pounce and dont have the manners, or intelligence, to post in a non confrontational way. I quite expect to receive similar treatment, within the hour for supporting City Life's efforts to keep us informed.....tick, tock,tick,tock Edited August 1, 2017 by Sparkles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, Pim Kemasingki said: Yes, I have had occasion to tax my mind with such thoughts! And therefore am in agreement with you. Again, if you read the link I have provided twice above, you may get to read the article you mention you long for. I hope you do, it is very informative! Unfortunately you are wrong. Feedback, readers' letters, requests and comments tell us that this is a story of great interest to a vast number of Thai and expat readers...that is why we keep bringing different perspectives and voices to it. And punters are indeed deciding, hence our articles to give them deeper clarity when we can. Have you read any Thai forums and social media groups where tens of thousands of people are discussing these issues, and most of them condemning songtaews? I would like to guess that you haven't, or you wouldn't be making such uninformed proclamations! Having lived here for 40 years, I know the history of songtaews, and unfortunately I am not impressed. I don't come to ThaiVisa often, and now I remember why; such personal insults and vitriol. I am happy to debate talking points, and really don't mind being corrected when I am wrong, but nastiness just doesn't do it for me! I wish you all well and think I will sign out for another six months! Ciao, and have a lovely day. Although I am critical of the interview done by your intern (in the post you mention 'fiery' which I misconstrued as being a critical dialogue), I do appreciate the longer article that you provided a link of. The one E/S failed to understand. This one: http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/citylife-articles/mess-transit-why-chiang-mai-doesnt-have-public-transportation/ I think it gives insight into why Uber & Grab are still operating even though they are, by law, illegal. Edited August 1, 2017 by Bassosa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evenstevens Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 2 hours ago, Sparkles said: CM has a huge pollution problem as we know and the fact that songteaw owners, who pay there way through annual exhaust emmisions tests, is just one of several reasons why they should be bought to heel but I fear they wont. Not surprised and understandable if you dont come back to Thai Visa which now has probably a far smaller readership that it did 5-10 years ago simply because there are those waiting to pounce and dont have the manners, or intelligence, to post in a non confrontational way. I Yes C/mai has pollution problems,but it not ALL down to the single fact that Songteaw owners, are the major players ( as you have posted above, )its across the board,for a raft of different reasons if the O/P wishes to refrain from posting in the future,due to the response that has been given, which in my view has been on topic with no confrontational intent at all by any member, that is her perogative, sweet dreams to all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, evenstevens said: Yes C/mai has pollution problems,but it not ALL down to the single fact that Songteaw owners, are the major players ( as you have posted above, )its across the board,for a raft of different reasons if the O/P wishes to refrain from posting in the future,due to the response that has been given, which in my view has been on topic with no confrontational intent at all by any member, that is her perogative, sweet dreams to all No one ever said it was solely down to the Songtaew drivers that Cm's air quality is poor. Where did you get this from? Having said that, pretty sure the black/blue smoke being belched out from those ancient diesels isn't helping. BTW, you forgot to mention what music you're listening too... Edited August 1, 2017 by Bassosa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffian Dick Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 8 hours ago, Pim Kemasingki said: Ex-Prime Ministers Wow. So easily Googled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizard2010 Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 13 hours ago, Sparkles said: Not surprised and understandable if you dont come back to Thai Visa which now has probably a far smaller readership that it did 5-10 years ago simply because there are those waiting to pounce and dont have the manners, or intelligence, to post in a non confrontational way. I have noticed that over the last 12 months this has slipped to a very low level With the normal people posting on THaivisa Probably because they have nothing else to complain about It is pity that the Songtaews Are Not Checked properly For the Pollution and passed 100% If the CM Government Dept was honest and wanted Chiang Mai as pollution free as it could be Maybe the Governor need to step and do His Job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogb Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 Did I miss the question about what are the co-op's plans for switching to more environmentally friendly vehicles? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkles Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 11 hours ago, evenstevens said: Yes C/mai has pollution problems,but it not ALL down to the single fact that Songteaw owners, are the major players ( as you have posted above, )its across the board,for a raft of different reasons if the O/P wishes to refrain from posting in the future,due to the response that has been given, which in my view has been on topic with no confrontational intent at all by any member, that is her perogative, sweet dreams to all The fact that older songteaws can sail through emmision test, which are mandatory,,is a disgrace when the rest of residents have to comply. Songteaw drivers crying poor doesnt wash with me especially when their min fee is now 30 baht opposed to 20 baht a while back and fuel has stayed the same price. This just a backlash for Uber and Grab entering their territory they ,the songeaw industry have always owned .and they just cant comprehend competiion. Another reason you dont see motorbike taxis,which are perfect for traffic choked, old city travel,they were all banished to the outer areas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loaded Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 I enjoyed the article. Thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmsally Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 I personally like the songtaews. Lets face it where else in the world can you pretty much flag down a vehicle at the very spot you are at and get transported to your exact destination! I agree some of the older vehicles are a bit "SMOKY" and that would be where I would suggest improvements. But in general regarding pollution and traffic how can songtaews be a bad idea ? How many people can you fit in an Uber or a taxi. Probably get 12 squished into a songtaew. So that would be 6 Ubers on the road for every songtaew. Just try getting your motorcycle into a taxi when it breaks down ! Something that has been done many a time in a songtaew. I know Uber does sound cheap and can't help but wonder have they actually figured in that great big number that is most important = the car ! I recently had a conversation which went like this: (talking with a friend about a friend of his) Friend : " My friend C... has just left his job at M...." Me: " Oh, so what is he doing now?" " He now drives Uber" " Oh, how is that going?" " Oh he is so happy he makes xxx per day, much more than his old job. "Oh well that's good, I didn't know he had a car, what kind of car did he get ?" "Oh, he doesn't have one he borrows his brother's" It is sounding like a lot of businesses here, in that the only goal is to generate income with no concern for the capital outlay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 1 hour ago, cmsally said: I personally like the songtaews. Lets face it where else in the world can you pretty much flag down a vehicle at the very spot you are at and get transported to your exact destination! I agree some of the older vehicles are a bit "SMOKY" and that would be where I would suggest improvements. But in general regarding pollution and traffic how can songtaews be a bad idea ? How many people can you fit in an Uber or a taxi. Probably get 12 squished into a songtaew. So that would be 6 Ubers on the road for every songtaew. Just try getting your motorcycle into a taxi when it breaks down ! Something that has been done many a time in a songtaew. I know Uber does sound cheap and can't help but wonder have they actually figured in that great big number that is most important = the car ! I recently had a conversation which went like this: (talking with a friend about a friend of his) Friend : " My friend C... has just left his job at M...." Me: " Oh, so what is he doing now?" " He now drives Uber" " Oh, how is that going?" " Oh he is so happy he makes xxx per day, much more than his old job. "Oh well that's good, I didn't know he had a car, what kind of car did he get ?" "Oh, he doesn't have one he borrows his brother's" It is sounding like a lot of businesses here, in that the only goal is to generate income with no concern for the capital outlay. The thing is, a lot of songthaews drive around empty, looking for punters. It's not efficient. An Uber car however, will just be stationary until he/she gets a ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evenstevens Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 9 hours ago, cmsally said: I personally like the songtaews. Lets face it where else in the world can you pretty much flag down a vehicle at the very spot you are at and get transported to your exact destination! I agree some of the older vehicles are a bit "SMOKY" and that would be where I would suggest improvements. But in general regarding pollution and traffic how can songtaews be a bad idea ? How many people can you fit in an Uber or a taxi. Probably get 12 squished into a songtaew. So that would be 6 Ubers on the road for every songtaew. Just try getting your motorcycle into a taxi when it breaks down ! Something that has been done many a time in a songtaew. I know Uber does sound cheap and can't help but wonder have they actually figured in that great big number that is most important = Spot on , but a day too late,the O/P called it a day for 6 months,y/day, it got a bit hot for the babe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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