Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers in Phuket are being urged to put an end to intimidatory and violent behavior related to price-fixing by introducing a transparent system of set fares on the island, available to foreign tourists and residents alike.
A file photo shows mini taxis queuing up in Phuket. Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers in Phuket are being urged to stop 'cheating' tourists by introducing a transparent system of set fares, for both foreigners and residents. (Photo by Sombat Raksakul)
The plea came after ambassadors from 18 European Union member states met with Phuket governor Mr Maitri Inthusu, local officials and tour operators, in a bid to resolve long-standing issues with tourists being scammed in the area.
Phuket has been plagued by issues with its tuk-tuks and taxis, with complaints about tourists being charged over the odds to be driven short distances, and reports of taxi associations threatening and physically abusing rivals who dare to pick up customers on their turf.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says the number of foreign tourists visiting Phuket has more than quadrupled since 2005, from 2.5 million to 11 million last year.
A statement from the ambassadors argued that citizens from the EU make up a large proportion of foreign tourists visiting Phuket.
“Their per capita spend is high, making an important contribution to the local economy,” the statement said. “Tourists need to feel safe and that they are being treated fairly.”
The 18 ambassadors called on local leaders to enforce strict standards of behaviour for public officials, including police and immigration staff, to make sure that foreign visitors and residents feel protected, are treated fairly and are “never at risk of extortion”.
The EU delegation also want action to tackle scams involving the hiring of equipment such as jet skis or motorbikes in the area, consistent implementation of marine safety standards - including flags on beaches to indicate when it is safe to swim, better enforcement of road safety regulations and a greater focus on environmental issues, including regular monitoring of water quality in Phuket.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is meanwhile probing foreign-owned businesses on the island following complaints that illegal foreign workers are taking local people’s jobs.
Suphachai Wattanaparintorn, vice-president of the Phuket Professional Guide Association, said last month that increasing numbers of Russian and Chinese workers are setting up shop in Phuket and offering services to nationals from their home countries.
But Pol Col Yanapol Yungyuen, deputy director-general of the DSI, said that unscrupulous local operators may be partly to blame for the issue, because they try to “cheat” tourists, causing them to turn to services provided by foreigners, which they believe are more trustworthy.
A letter sent to the Bangkok Post earlier this month from a “frightened Phuket hotel owner”, who chose to remain anonymous, accused the so-called “taxi mafia” of bullying businesses on the island.
“Myself and other Phuket hotel owners have complained to Phuket police of the threat of the ‘Taxi Mafia’, yet no action has been taken,” the letter said. “Some have guns, block hotel transportation and threaten our drivers. They use foul language when guests hire a car from a rival or check prices of other taxi services. This terrifies guests and hotel staff.”
The EU group said talks with Phuket officials had been “constructive”. They praised Phuket’s governor Mr Maitri for his willingness to cooperate with their embassies and the national authorities in Bangkok to deal with “challenges” in the area.
The group said they would continue to work with the Ministry of Tourism to improve tourist safety in Phuket, and would update travel advice to their citizens with “accurate information and advice” accordingly.
A file photo shows mini taxis queuing up in Phuket. Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers in Phuket are being urged to stop 'cheating' tourists by introducing a transparent system of set fares, for both foreigners and residents. (Photo by Sombat Raksakul)