PHUKET, 6 June 2019 Patong taxi and tuk-tuk drivers have been told to stop cheating and beating tourists according to a report in Phuket News yesterday.
The popular online news service focusing on Phuket island affairs said the Patong Bay Police chief held a meeting with taxi and tuk-tuk (three-wheel ‘samlor’) drivers in a bid to correct bad behaviour.
Numerous press reports claimed the island’s taxis and tuk-tuks are risky mainly due to belligerent drivers who threat and demand exorbitant fares.
Col Anotai Jindamanee was quoted saying he had launched a project ‘Being a Good Host’ claiming, “the main goal is to address the issues that are impacting tourism in Patong and to promptly repair the area’s image.”
The campaign is due to start any time now and when asked for a comment one hotelier at a popular Patong Bay resort said the action was overdue.
“We are hurting from a decline in tourists from China and we don’t need to add to our problems by ignoring the damage done to our image when unruly taxi drivers cheat and harass tourists.
Travellers to Phuket should be aware of high transport costs between the airport and resorts and also between the west coast beaches.
For those who want to visit various beaches and Phuket town the most cost-effective way is to rent a car at the airport, but book in advance. That way you avoid having disturbing encounters with grumpy taxi drivers.
