Phuket—
The livelihood of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers in Phuket is facing a severe downturn, with many operators warning that the traditional transport system could collapse without urgent government intervention.
Drivers report that daily earnings have plummeted due to shifting tourist behavior and rising competition from modern transport services. Many say they now work from dawn until late at night, only to find their income barely covers basic living expenses. On some days, they struggle to find passengers at all.
One driver explained that despite cutting personal costs and trying to adapt, mounting expenses including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the rising cost of living, this has left many in debt. Some are considering abandoning the profession altogether.
The community of drivers is calling on authorities to step in with concrete measures. Their demands include stricter regulation of unfair competition, restructuring of the transport system, and financial support to sustain this long-standing local occupation.
Observers warn that if the crisis continues unchecked, it could have wider repercussions for Phuket’s tourism industry. Tuk-tuks are not only a practical mode of transport but also a cultural symbol of the island, woven into its identity for decades.
