Why are Thai minibus/taxi drivers so thick??

[Simon43]

Here's a typical scenario that is repeated almost on a daily basis...

(To set the scene, I manage a hotel in Phuket and a hotel in Ao Nang)

This conversation is all in Thai, a language that I have a good understanding of, (both spoken and written). For the illiterate amongst you, I'll write this in farang-speak

[My mobile phone rings]
Me: Hallo, sawasdee krap
Taxi Driver: I have a customer for your hotel - where is it?
Me: Ah, what's the name of the hotel?
Taxi Driver: Where's your hotel, Pi, where's your hotel
Me: Tell me the name of the hotel that you want, is it in Phuket or Ao Nang?
Taxi Driver: Where's your hotel, do you speak Thai?
Me: I am fcuking speaking Thai you thick twat, what is the name of the hotel?

(At this point my wife usually grabs the phone from me...)

On one occasion after I hung up my phone in frustration, the customer called back and I was quickly able to obtain the correct details etc. I asked them to relay a message to their driver 'you are a total moron'

I know taxi/minibus drivers are often not well-educated, but some of these guys are thicker than a thick thief.