The two tourists, both women, filed a formal complaint with the Karon Police over the incident.
Lt Gen Weerachon Sukhontapatipak, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, said that PM Prayut had become aware of the very high fare charged by the Phuket van driver and issued a public statement on the Phuket affair, state news agency NNT reported today (July 18). (See story here.)
“Taking advantage of tourists adversely affects tourism in Phuket. Also, it negatively affects the reputation of Thai people and country as well,” PM Prayut said.
“Operators [in the tourism industry], please help to take care and keep an eye on tourists. Prevent this kind of behavior from happening again.
“Also, officials must be strict in their supervision and prevent it. It must not happen again,” the Prime Minister said.
“Thailand is a beautiful tourist destination. The hospitality of Thai people is also something that people around the world appreciate, making most tourists impressed.
“Therefore, I would like to ask all Thai people to be a good host and welcome tourists visiting Thailand,l” he added.