Tuk-tuk driver stabs Tourist again you might say
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It’s more a fact then news that Tuk-tuk drivers in Phuket attacks tourist that do not want to pay there excoriation fees of 200 THB. Same distance in Bangkok would set you back maybe 30 or 50 THB.
You can not bargain since they all are connected to one company or let’s say one family with very good connections. If you try to ask them to go down in price or ask the next one they just look at you and laugh, full tourist service as it best.
Off course the tuk-tuk drivers has to pay excoriation fees for there tuk-tuks and huge monthly fees to this one family so off course they trying to get this off the tourists.
The government initiative to put in Taxi Meters or similar system as in Pattaya or Saumi have always rendered in riots, blockades or even shootings.
2 years ago security guards where shoot while guarding the taxi meter in the airport.
With no education, no service in mind, no competition, and stressed out high fees it’s a miracle that more tourists does not get hurt.
The cheapest way to get around in Phuket for tourist is renting a motorbike but then off course if you crash it you better have insurance or be ready to pay excoriation money for the get it fixed.
PATONG: — A Welsh tourist is expected to be discharged from Phuket International Hospital today after being stabbed in the chest following a dispute over a tuk-tuk fare early yesterday morning.
Kathu Deputy Inspector for Crime Suppression, Pol Capt Leucha Polkarn, confirmed that Julien Bennett, 31, was stabbed on Nanai Rd about 3:30 am, following an altercation with Patong tuk-tuk driver Wisut Jampa, 40.
The stabbing occurred in front of the Royal Crown Hotel, where Bennett was staying.
Wisut stabbed the victim, then fled in his tuk-tuk, Capt Leucha confirmed. Police later arrested him near his vehicle, parked in a queue at one end of Soi Bangla.
During questioning by police, Wisut said that he had negotiated a fare of 200 baht to take Bennett back to his hotel. Upon arriving there, Bennett, who Wisut said was drunk, began arguing about the fare, saying the normal rate was 100 baht.
Bennett then took o ut 120 baht and threw it in his face, then began throwing punches at him, the tuk-tuk driver told police.
Unable to fight back, Wisut went to the glove compartment of the tuk-tuk and grabbed a folding knife, which he used to stab Bennett. As Bennett ran to the hotel to seek assistance, Wisut fled the scene.
Wisut now faces criminal charges for the stabbing, Capt Leucha said.
