KOH PHANGAN — Tourist safety concerns have emerged on the popular Thai island of Koh Phangan following social media reports of water taxi operators demanding payments from passengers in the middle of the sea.
A social media post on January 4 detailed an incident where tourists were allegedly forced to make payments under duress during a late-night boat ride. According to the report, around 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, a group of approximately 20 passengers boarded a boat taxi to visit a local pub. The boat operator, who hadn’t disclosed the fare beforehand, stopped the vessel in open waters and demanded 400 baht per person for a one-way journey, refusing to continue until everyone paid.
“The waves were strong, and we couldn’t turn back. Remembering the recent tragic incident where a Korean tourist died in a longtail boat accident, everyone felt compelled to pay,” the post stated.
The post garnered widespread reactions, with commenters saying things like “Typical behavior,” “Are the police turning a blind eye again?” “This is practically piracy,” “These scammers are destroying our tourism reputation – they’ll be the ones complaining when tourists stop coming.”
In response, a boat taxi operator from Rin Beach defended the practice, citing previous experiences with passengers who fled without paying upon reaching shore. “This isn’t about being cruel – it’s about protecting our livelihood,” the operator claimed, also disputing the reports of rough sea conditions that night.
The incident has sparked heated debate on social media, with many criticizing the practice as harmful to tourism. Critics argue that collecting fares before departure would be a more appropriate solution.
Wijak Chupharekit, Director of the Regional Harbor Office in Koh Phangan, announced that authorities are investigating the incident. A meeting with approximately 50 local water taxi operators has been scheduled for January 7, 2025, to establish proper service guidelines and protect the island’s tourism industry.
“We need to ensure that our transportation services maintain high standards and don’t negatively impact Koh Phangan’s reputation as a tourist destination,” Chupharekit stated.
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in regulating tourist transportation services on the popular island, known for its Full Moon Parties and beach activities.
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