Another port Blockade

[Mr Earl]

Idiots at it again.

PHUKET: Taxi drivers have set up a blockade at Phuket’s Deep Sea Port, where the USS Nimitz and the USS Princeton are anchored.

According to reports, a contract dispute between rival taxi companies has led to the blockade.

A significant amount of money is at stake, with over 6,000 US Navy sailors in Phuket to enjoy shore leave.

When the USS Ronald Reagan was in port two years ago, some taxi drivers were reported to be asking sailors for up to 6,000 baht for the trip to Patong (story here).

In June 2010, American sailors on three ships were subjected to another taxi blockade. That time, the sailors had been provided free transportation (story here).

That dispute ended when the drivers agreed with military, police and Wichit Municipality negotiators to return to an old agreement allowing the local taxis access to low-ranking US military personnel while only officers could take advantage of the free van service provided by an outside contractor.

The Phuket Gazette understands that Phuket Marine Office chief Phuriphat Teerakulpisut and a delegation from the Phuket Governor’s Office is en route to the Deep Sea Port to resolve the situation.

Phuket NEWS: US Navy sailors caught in Phuket taxi blockade

[Rural Surin]

I sucky sucky long time

Hok pan baht...

[sabang]

Simple- US Navy should no longer visit Phuket. Pattaya is smiling.

[Bung]

A simple matter of having metered taxis. They should be happy there are so many fares available but typically the locals are falling over each other to rip off tourists and the authorities are standing by watching.

[benbaaa]

Standing by cheering, bung.

[FailSafe]

The Nimitz has one of these- a couple well-placed shots would clear things up a bit- the 'carrot' sure ain't working- time for the 'stick':

[Rural Surin]

The USS Nimitz is from a dying era.....yet still a jewel.

Hence, the status of the era that continues today: Nimitz Class

In April of 1975, we were evacuating to the old barge-carrier, The USS Kearsarge [the vintage one].....while the Nimitz was only a couple of kulometres broadside.

An impressive site.

[Boon Mee]

Simple- US Navy should no longer visit Phuket. Pattaya is smiling.

That's right.
Even if the ships have to pull into Sattahip, the drive up to Pattaya isn't that long and there's lots of baht buses that do that run.

[VocalNeal]

Patong chamber of commerce should lay on some shuttle buses.

There must be some bars within walking distance of the port? There always were when I was at sea!

[ltnt]

^Only Muslims in that part of Phuket. Latest rate from the port to Patong: 6,000baht one way.

[crocman]

Lazy,thieving bastards.They work on the premise that if they do fewer trips but at higher prices then that equals a comfortable living with less work.

[ltnt]

^As is the case with all Thai business there's an over abundance of them therefore they try to rip off for the most they can get in a one off deal. the line up by other taxi's is long and endless in Phuket and Bangkok.

[NomadJoe]

Actually it was a contract dispute with the buses contracted by Glenn Marine. Nothing to do with tuk tuks this time. But there were reports of vastly overcharging, just like always with these tuk tuk guys.