Taxi mafia still ripping off tourists on Koh Samui

After arriving on Bangkok Airways' last flight of the day from the capital, I was told that the Bt150 minibus service would not be available to me because I was the only person travelling to Lamai. Two female Israeli backpackers were also stranded because the minibuses to nearby Chaweng were full.

At the taxi stand I was quoted Bt800 for the 10-kilometre journey to Lamai. I refused to pay such an outrageous fare. The Israelis were quoted Bt300 each for the short ride to Chaweng. They decided to walk and I phoned a friend to ask him to collect me. The taxi driver then quickly lowered his demand to Bt500 but I told him his greed meant he would not be receiving one baht.

It was a similar story away from the airport. Taxis are parked on main roads throughout the island, often obstructing traffic, while drivers rudely harass tourists. None will use the meter. A friend was quoted Bt300 to go less than one kilometre. Thankfully, few tourists appeared willing to employ these bandits.

Bangkok Airways and the island authorities must do more to ensure that tourists are not held to ransom. At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask.

PETER HILL

BANGKOK

Thugs extort parking fees at Ayutthaya historical park

Last weekend, my family and I visited Ayutthaya and we almost ended up being beaten by a local mafia gang, if not for the efficiency of local policemen. The incident took place at a parking lot in front of Wat Phra Viharn Mongkhol Bophit. We arrived there at around 1pm and chose a spot to park the car. A woman in her late 30s approached us and demanded a parking fee, which I'm certain she has no right to do. I refused to pay. She then called several men who were sitting nearby to come and "talk to me". I retreated and had to move our car from this area that they claimed was their "territory".

I reported this to a TAT office located at the temple gate. A female officer feared for our safety and called the police. I learned from them that the gang has been operating for a period of time already. The gang has received several "warnings" but the police cannot get rid of them.

I strongly urge the TAT, local police and other agencies to look at this problem seriously before any tourists are beaten up by this gang. Extorting money is a crime and it gives a very bad impression to Ayutthaya, a Unesco World Heritage site.

YONGYUT K

PATHUM THANI