Taxi Drivers Not Cool About Phuket Airport to Patong Ferry Service

27th May 2013

When the public hearing on the Phuket Airport-Patong ferry service was held recently, taxi drivers from Patong town as well as tuk-tuk drivers vehemently voiced their opposition.

The drivers have been very vocal against the proposal because they see it as a move to divest them of their livelihood opportunities. Stakeholders have already foreseen a difficult journey before the proposal could ever get to the first base as what had happened in the recent meeting held at Patong Municipality.

A parallel meeting was also held in Mai Khao in order to get the side of the local village leaders. It turned out that they have their sympathy on the drivers who might lose their livelihood.

Patong mayor, Pian Keesin, set the tone in the May 14 meeting in order to cushion any heated discussions that may arise from the opposition, saying (in verbatim), 'We have to move on, we have to set the standard for Phuket."

He cited Hong Kong and Singapore for implementing similar transport services between major economic hubs. He explained that Thailand, specifically Phuket, needs the kind of transport service which would boost the local economy. He said that people needs to be open-minded enough to embrace changes as part of the evolution of a certain city or country to economic prosperity.

While there are taxi drivers who are opposed to the project, a cab driver who was sought for comments was not, at all, worried. He said that most of his clients are not airport passengers anyway.

An executive from the Director of Marine Officer Phuket branch, Phuripat Theerakulpisut, stepped out of the meeting hall with a positive aura. He was quoted as saying that the meeting was a success for the reason that most of the concerned groups they invited didn't put up opposition.

He felt relieved now that the hearing is over prompting him to remark that it would be an easy trip to the Cabinet as soon as the project proposal is finalized for presentation.

He reiterated that the aim of the project is to improve the traffic situation of Phuket and its congested roadways.

The proposed project will initially utilize the existing pier located at the south end of Patong Beach. He, however, disclosed that they still need to hear the side of the private sector and whether or not, they are willing to invest in the project.

The existing hydrofoil service in Phuket is unable to use the pier in Patong because the waters around it is not deep enough.

Like any public infrastructure project, the ferry service proposal will need the green light from the Cabinet before it gets implemented.

Related News

Bangkok Airways to Resurrect Vital Flight Routes to Northern Thailand

Thai Vietjet Air: Exclusive May Offers for FUN Rewards Members

Hua Hin Airport anticipates surge in international flights after expansion

No more flights to Mae Hong Son

Related Travel Guide Articles

Chiang Mai's Food Odyssey: Street Eats to Gourmet Feasts

6 Steps to Grabbing Cheap Flights - DomesticFlightsThailand

Getting Around Bangkok