Phuket mob attacks Russian business | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Anti-Russian mob in Phuket

Published: 29 Jan 2013 at 07.13
Online news:

An angry protest by taxi operators has forced the closure of a Russian-owned tourist business.

The protest against Alex Tour ended after a mob destroyed the signs of the business, and authorities closed it.

Taxi drivers alleged that Alex Tour is owned by Russians, and was supplying transportation to tourists from the Bang Tao area of Phuket - both illegal under Thai law if true.

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jacksprat
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Discussion 18 : 29 Jan 2013 at 10.4218
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"Is it illegal for a foreign-owned company to conduct business in Thailand. Anybody knows?" Not at all, except for a list of prohibited occupations. Being a tour guide is one of them.
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kasper
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Discussion 17 : 29 Jan 2013 at 09.3317
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Does anyone know who is really in charge in Phuket? Is it the authorities or the taxia mafia?

Anyone recall when the taxis forced Thai tour operators to hand over their customers in connection with blocking cruise ships and american warships? Seems anyone, thai or foreigner, who dares compete with the taxi mafia is targetted.

Will the authorities accept if my business, or any other business, destroy the offices of the competitors as well? Or is this privilege reserved for the taxi mafia?
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bikeme
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Discussion 16 : 29 Jan 2013 at 09.0716
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The taxi mafia is angry at the russian mafia and the police mafia simply sits around collecting donations from both. Where is the clean up of corruption promised by the current government during their campaign?
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packman
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Discussion 15 : 29 Jan 2013 at 08.5615
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You at the pot calling the kettle black. What a joke.
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hillfarang
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Discussion 14 : 29 Jan 2013 at 08.5614
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Interesting how many posters have little sympathy for Thai taxi drivers... yes, the tourist transport business in Thailand is horribly corrupt giving many a very bad first impression. Warnings abound 'on-line' for foreigners to be very careful

Still, whether Russian, African or Middle East, Thailand should avoid all foreign mafia influences & let the police run things as they always have :>))
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dao
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Discussion 13 : 29 Jan 2013 at 08.5013
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Transportation charges in Phuket are ridiculous .Tuktuks and taxis are run by mafia that do things like this when people try avoid this rip off .These same people blocked a US ship from going on shore leave as well because they has arranged their own transport and didn't allow themselves to be ripped off .In the end the ships captain relented wanting to avoid bloodshed .Get public transport down there and regulate this menace putting a black eye on the tourist industry .
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crismango
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Discussion 12 : 29 Jan 2013 at 08.4712
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There is no mention that the thugs who destroyed the building and property of private individuals or companies will have criminal charges. It seems that its ok for them to destroy someone else's property. Make complaints and demonstrate for sure, but they do not have the right to destroy someone else's property, even a foreigner. But we know that no one will be charged because it wasn't just the taxi/tuk-tuk mafia drivers that were losing out but their protectors as well, whomever they may be?
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fezman
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Discussion 11 : 29 Jan 2013 at 08.3911
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I love to see those happy scowling Russian faces ,they always brighten up any day. But seriously phuket taxis are a joke , I would rather take a jet ski and pay for the bogus damage ,it would still be cheaper. 55555555
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svenviking
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Discussion 10 : 29 Jan 2013 at 08.2910
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I can assure you all that we have no problem with Russians in Scandinavia and there is probably no other problem in Pukket then a little healthy competition. The transport situation there is bordering to highway robbery.
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mr.meldrew
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Discussion 9 : 29 Jan 2013 at 08.229
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The taxis only complained because he was bypassing and helping his customers not paying rip off prices demanded by the Thai taxi Mafia.
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