Patong –
Taxi drivers in Patong filed a letter to the Patong Mayor after they found out about plans to allow a 40 Baht flat fee public transport service project around Patong.
Hundreds of Tuk Tuks, motorbikes, and taxi drivers in Patong gathered in force at the Patong Municipality. They filed a letter to the Patong Mayor expressing that local taxi drivers do not agree with the project that the municipality is considering.
Taxi drivers state that the municipality has not done any public hearing about the project or conducted a vote with those whose jobs would be affected. Patong already has a baht bus from Patong Beach to Patong City for about a 30 Baht fee, the drivers added. However, the total fee can depend on overall distance. The drivers feel that another public transport system will be too much and is not necessary for the number of tourists in Patong.
The drivers also claimed there wasn’t enough room for parking and pickups for the proposed project. They also claimed it wasn’t about money or cost but that the project was impractical.
The Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri told the protesters that they will discuss the issue with the Phuket Land Transport Office to find the best solution for everyone.
