Tuk Tuk mafia in Phuket

Two years before the Tsunami I stayed in Phuket Patong area for two years time. At that time the TUK TUK was annoying and you could never get anything cheaper then 100 THB. Most tourists were charged 200 THB per trip long or short. But the after the Tsunami things have gone from bad to catastrophic.

Phuket TUK TUK mafia

The TUK TUK mafia is owned by only one family in Phuket and all TUK TUKs have to pay tribute each month and pay a fee to become a driver.

Nobody can just simply buy a TUK TUK and start driving you need to be part of the family and I have written and warned about this before in my blog.

Now I want to issue a DO NOT GO BY TUK TUK in Phuket it is a simple as that. Rent a motorbike, rent a car, go by motorbike taxi or walk but do not take a TUK TUK whatever you do. If you can book a pickup from the hotel in the price then do so you do not have to pay up to 1200 THV per trip.

The TUK TUK mafia in Phuket has already heard very strong words from the locals and several businesses have complained to the Governor in Phuket. But stil this mafia family can continue doing as they like and take whatever prices they like.

TUK TUK driver attack French family with kids

Last week a French family was attacked and the TUK TUK driver broke the fathers arm and brusied other family members. They had kids with them and their crime was they parked on a spot he wanted to have. The TUK TUK mafias also control much of the beach road in Phuket and ask for money if you want to park your car or motorbike, a land they not own or rent.

Phuket soon to be boycotted

In the last year Phuket have gone from bad to worse, most people that are keep themselves updated can see all high profile cases the Police in Phuket have done and embarrassed themselves. You can also read and see all the Jet Ski scams and other things going on in Phuket. In Thai forums people are talking about never go to Phuket after everything that has happened. If the Governor in Phuket not cleans up his “Paradise” island it will soon be boycotted by many more.