None of this will change until corruption is stopped in Thailand it will just get worst.
The only way to change it is for the tourists to vote with their wallets and not give your money to theses mafia setups.
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Interview With Phuket Tuk-tuk Mafia BossTrying to Justify Overcharging Foreigners
Started by jacobbells, 2009-07-02 17:54
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67 replies to this topic
#27
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-03 12:32:45
Prices in Phuket bend both ways - while tuk-tuks maybe rather expensive, car and motorbike hire is extremely cheap compared to other countries in SEA.
By the way, maybe a mountain bike for hire business would do a roaring trade. Edited by ThaiEye, 2009-07-03 12:33:24. #28
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-03 20:19:43
The fact that people like this legally hold positions of responsibilty is the biggest problem in this country.
I wonder how many less accidents there would be on the roads in Phuket if people could use reasonably priced metered taxis to get about rather than having a few drinks and driving home? Phuket needs metered taxis and decent buses. #29
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-03 20:23:55
Prices in Phuket bend both ways - while tuk-tuks maybe rather expensive, car and motorbike hire is extremely cheap compared to other countries in SEA. By the way, maybe a mountain bike for hire business would do a roaring trade. Not the point though, is it. Everywhere else in Thailand it's easy to find cheap metered taxis. These guys are not letting us have this option in Phuket. It's a problem. #30
One love, One Life, It's one need in the night. Posted 2009-07-03 20:43:13
I heared the cat of the owner of the Tuk Tuk Mafia is not a cutie either
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#31
Advanced Member Posted 2009-07-03 21:32:57
By the way, maybe a mountain bike for hire business would do a roaring trade. Nice thing about this country, there's always an optimist, without them there would be only 1/4 of the present bars. Yeah, looks good on the surface, Tried it 10 years ago in far better times at Mike's Bikes. You wouldn't believe what problems the punters will cause. They even ask is it air conditioned and are you allowed to smoke !! To deal with idiots I think it helps to be one yourself. Go buy 10 bikes and find out. Good Luck !!! #32
Member Schmember Posted 2009-07-03 21:40:11
Prices in Phuket bend both ways - while tuk-tuks maybe rather expensive, car and motorbike hire is extremely cheap compared to other countries in SEA. By the way, maybe a mountain bike for hire business would do a roaring trade. Not the point though, is it. Everywhere else in Thailand it's easy to find cheap metered taxis. These guys are not letting us have this option in Phuket. It's a problem. #33
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-03 21:52:50
Prices in Phuket bend both ways - while tuk-tuks maybe rather expensive, car and motorbike hire is extremely cheap compared to other countries in SEA. By the way, maybe a mountain bike for hire business would do a roaring trade. Not the point though, is it. Everywhere else in Thailand it's easy to find cheap metered taxis. These guys are not letting us have this option in Phuket. It's a problem. Or Hua Hin #34
Titanium Member Posted 2009-07-04 09:42:55
No different to anywhere else in the west.
Most taxi associations are highly regulated (formally & informally), forcing up prices higher than they probably need to be. All we are talking about is another fish in another pond. I've never quite figured out why, but wherever you go in the world, taxi's, tend to be highly regulated by government (at the behest of the industry) or by the industry themselves. Whatever the case, there is only one loser, the consumer. BKK seems to be one of the only places where the taxi market is more or less de-regulated. The pro is that fares are dirt cheap. The con is that taxi's can be old and decrepid (though this is less and less) and that they clog BKK streets and roads. But, they do serve a purpose. And it ain't all beer and skittles. Portions of the Melbourne tax market are being investigated for uncompetitive behaviour, which even for Australia, is a big step. http://business.theage.com.au/business/cab...90626-d00o.html #35
The consensus is that I am most excellent. Posted 2009-07-04 13:34:00
I don't read the interview as all that bad. 400 bht for approx. 8km is still cheaper than in most western countries and at least one doesn't have to worry about whether the driver moonlights as a terrorist. Why are people complaining about the fare? Is there a rule written somewhere that because this is Thailand everything must be cheap? In my homeland theairport taxiride of 10km into the city is approx. 1200bht plus tip and watch out if you don't tip. When I land in Phuket, the metered taxi is only 400-500 baht into Patong and it's a significantly further distance. The same 8km karon-Patong route in my home city would cost me around 500 baht + tip. So really, how can I complain?
I agree there should be a posted fare schedule and metered options, but it will not happen anytime soon, because there is no leverage to force the change. It's not as if the locals are asking for the change and the tuk tuks are not keeping tourists away. The tourists still come because you can get a decent plate of food for 100baht and a cheap room compared to elsewhere etc.. The head of the association is trying to bring about positive change one step at a time. Instead of peeing all over him, he is to be commended. He has an education. Is that some sort of crime? I have the feeling he's trying to bring about change but understands what he is dealing with. At least in Karon, there is some change being attempted. patong is a mess and that's the palce where change is needed most. #36
Member Schmember Posted 2009-07-04 13:37:24 Quote Most taxi associations are highly regulated (formally & informally), forcing up prices higher than they probably need to be. All we are talking about is another fish in another pond. Bangkok taxis thus are among the best deals in the world for urban taxis. It wasn't always this way. Before the meters were regulated, it was the wild wild east just like Phuket, which is probably the biggest taxi ripoff situation in the country. The non-Bangkok taxis are a kind of organized crime sometimes called a MAFIA. You have got the reality exactly BACKWARDS. People who say get a car or bike, you do not get it. On the car and bike forums, have you EVER heard someone say RIDE THE BUS when people complain about problems with roads, cops, etc.? Both public and private transport options have great room for improvement, but both systems are necessary. Bangkok taxis show it IS POSSIBLE for transport to improve in Thailand, at least theoretically. Bangkok with its skytrain, subway, and fantastic taxi meters is the shining star example. Edited by Jingthing, 2009-07-04 13:48:03. #37
Platinum Member Posted 2009-07-04 13:47:49
I don't read the interview as all that bad. 400 bht for approx. 8km is still cheaper than in most western countries and at least one doesn't have to worry about whether the driver moonlights as a terrorist. Why are people complaining about the fare? Is there a rule written somewhere that because this is Thailand everything must be cheap? In my homeland theairport taxiride of 10km into the city is approx. 1200bht plus tip and watch out if you don't tip. When I land in Phuket, the metered taxi is only 400-500 baht into Patong and it's a significantly further distance. The same 8km karon-Patong route in my home city would cost me around 500 baht + tip. So really, how can I complain? You can complain because the fare isn't double or triple the average daily wage  RAZZ #38
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-04 14:25:40
1.2 million for those red heaps of crap that battle up the hills at 10kph causing traffic backups?
I don't buy that rubbish for a second. They should spend 600,000 baht on a locally made Honda or Toyota and offer a better service and save themselves 600,000 baht Aircon and safety features like seatbelts and airbags and the cars could make it up those hills around Patong to Karon. But that you be too logically for Thailand. Edited by katasyd, 2009-07-04 14:27:09. #39
Platinum Member Posted 2009-07-04 17:38:21
I don't read the interview as all that bad. 400 bht for approx. 8km is still cheaper than in most western countries and at least one doesn't have to worry about whether the driver moonlights as a terrorist. Why are people complaining about the fare? Is there a rule written somewhere that because this is Thailand everything must be cheap? In my homeland theairport taxiride of 10km into the city is approx. 1200bht plus tip and watch out if you don't tip. When I land in Phuket, the metered taxi is only 400-500 baht into Patong and it's a significantly further distance. The same 8km karon-Patong route in my home city would cost me around 500 baht + tip. So really, how can I complain? I agree there should be a posted fare schedule and metered options, but it will not happen anytime soon, because there is no leverage to force the change. It's not as if the locals are asking for the change and the tuk tuks are not keeping tourists away. The tourists still come because you can get a decent plate of food for 100baht and a cheap room compared to elsewhere etc.. The head of the association is trying to bring about positive change one step at a time. Instead of peeing all over him, he is to be commended. He has an education. Is that some sort of crime? I have the feeling he's trying to bring about change but understands what he is dealing with. At least in Karon, there is some change being attempted. patong is a mess and that's the palce where change is needed most. Sorry but just comparing things to "back home" is just stupid. Back home is (probably) a 1st world country and Thailand is a 3rd world tourist destination. The minimum wage in the UK is about £60 a day (10 hours) so a few km taxi ride should cost 3 or 4 times that at about £180 to £240 to compare to Phuket. Is that logical ? no and neither is the rip off Bt400. #40
Titanium Member Posted 2009-07-04 19:31:20
Quote Most taxi associations are highly regulated (formally & informally), forcing up prices higher than they probably need to be. All we are talking about is another fish in another pond. Bangkok taxis thus are among the best deals in the world for urban taxis. It wasn't always this way. Before the meters were regulated, it was the wild wild east just like Phuket, which is probably the biggest taxi ripoff situation in the country. The non-Bangkok taxis are a kind of organized crime sometimes called a MAFIA. You have got the reality exactly BACKWARDS. People who say get a car or bike, you do not get it. On the car and bike forums, have you EVER heard someone say RIDE THE BUS when people complain about problems with roads, cops, etc.? Both public and private transport options have great room for improvement, but both systems are necessary. Bangkok taxis show it IS POSSIBLE for transport to improve in Thailand, at least theoretically. Bangkok with its skytrain, subway, and fantastic taxi meters is the shining star example. Clearly remember the days when there was no such thing as a meter. You are right that the fares are regulated. But, I should have been clearer. In BKK there are no restrictions on the numbers of taxis allowed on the roads. Given this, fares tend to be kept low. Unlike most other places in the world, fares are kept high by restricting the number of taxi's on the roads. you are right, BKK is the shinging light for this. The only caveat is the traffic problems they cause, but the more public transport is available, I reckon we'll find a happy balance one day. #41
One love, One Life, It's one need in the night. Posted 2009-07-04 19:34:11
1.2 million for those red heaps of crap that battle up the hills at 10kph causing traffic backups? I don't buy that rubbish for a second. They should spend 600,000 baht on a locally made Honda or Toyota and offer a better service and save themselves 600,000 baht Aircon and safety features like seatbelts and airbags and the cars could make it up those hills around Patong to Karon. But that you be too logically for Thailand. Still alot of mony, I'm sure with some metal, some old minivans etc and some paint a machine shop, I can make a same tuk tuk for much much less. But than again, everybody has to make profit. 
Edited by Datsun240Z, 2009-07-04 19:34:30. #42
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-04 20:17:03
Taxis in BKK are generally real easy from my experience ,Metered and polite just dont get in the ones that stand around tourist areas going you you ...flag one down all is fine.
In Samui we have a regular family that we or our friends phone and we get charged a similar flat rate all over the island 200- 300 bht ! great service from real good people, have let us down once in 5 years as it was a wedding in the family! So as we missed the ferry they sent a mate round and of to the wedding party we went.  Tuk Tuks in Phuket, particularly the tourist areas Kata Karon Patong absolute rip off with thugs running the operation,I would rather walk then pay these sh##theads a single bht. #43
Titanium Member Posted 2009-07-04 21:17:23
Mafia? There is no mafia. Transportation in many places in Thailand is controlled by the police. Anyone bucking that system would be crushed quickly. Perhaps you could call the police mafia but it would be more accurate to call them corrupt cops.
#44
Titanium Member Posted 2009-07-04 21:17:24
Like the Mountain Fgns get ripped off simply because they are There....and are stupid enought to pay.....never learn....
#45
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-04 22:21:14
Not a resort area but taxi rates in my area are set by the city (mafia?) and costs are more.
The City of Austin regulates taxicab rates. These rates apply to all taxicab companies and all drivers. The current meter rate is $2.05 for the first 2/11 mile plus 20¢ for each additional 1/11 mile ($2.20/mile). Waiting time $25.00 per hour. By city ordinance trips which originate at the airport are subject to a $1 surcharge. There is no additional charge for extra passengers. As many as four passengers may ride for the price of one passenger. Please note: Drivers are independent contractors. They are not employed by a cab company; they work for themselves. Tips are at the discretion of the customer. 5 mile trip from airport would be: Airport charge $1.00 Meter starts at 2.05 5 mile charge 11.00 Total $14.05 Convert to Baht 492 Baht So what is the discount for the lower cost of living in Thailand? that would bring it down to about 350 Baht .....50 baht difference from the 400 baht standard rate is not so much and doesn't even consider any wait time if you so require. #46
One love, One Life, It's one need in the night. Posted 2009-07-04 23:12:41
A 15 km taxi trip here will cost ya € 55,99 that's 2575 Baht. Talk about cheap.
#47
Star Member Posted 2009-07-05 01:56:05
I traveled to 30 countries and don't rent cars. Last time I rented a bike in Thailand, the shop tried to claim damages and held my passport ransom. Leaving your passport as a surety is crazy, and for some countries it can result in lost or restricted passport privileges as the passport is actually government property, not yours. Unfair charges to a credit card can usually be resolved with the credit card company, at least easier and cheaper than getting your embassy to claim your passport or paying extortion. #48
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-05 19:49:44
That's right. Remember most folks just land in Phuket, go off to the beach, spend 2 weeks and go back to their home countries. They not think of that. If that is the case, which I strongly doubt, then they should get a hotel near the beach then there is no need for transport. A lot of people like to try different beaches/locations hence the recommendation for car hire. Example. Karon to Patong return 800 Baht. Car hire 900 Baht and you are free to go where ever. Seems like a no brainer to me. Cheers, Rick Cheers, Rick What about the few little drinks you just/maybe/might have in Patong??? And you want to go back to Kata/Karon?? What ever way you look at this the cost is extortion. Why are there NO metered taxis in Phuket?? No bus service? Simple. Intimidation and corruption. Paying 800 baht return in a shabby smelly dangerous 3 wheeler??? Karon to/from Chalong now 400 Baht. Used to be 120-150 a few years ago. Edited by harleyclarkey, 2009-07-05 19:52:05. #49
Nomark Posted 2009-07-05 21:08:26
What a great piece of journalism.
Well done to the Phuket Wan for getting the interview from the guy who, without many people realising it, touches the lives of most foreign visitors to Phuket. #50
Star Member Posted 2009-07-05 21:59:00
Paying 800 baht return in a shabby smelly dangerous 3 wheeler??? You're thinking of Bangkok Tuk-Tuks. In Phuket they're shabby, smelly and dangerous four wheelers. |
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