Tuk tuk, taxi drivers to get crash course in English

PHUKET CITY: One hundred Phuket taxi drivers, tuk tuk drivers and airport limousine drivers will have the chance to take a crash-course in English language and in hospitality on November 3, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 4 office holds its first training session for the livery of Phuket.

The course will be held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Only 100 seats are available, and drivers who complete the course will be awarded a certificate that they can post in their taxis to assure tourists that they have met the standards required.

“We have received many letters from tourists who visited Phuket complaining about how bad the taxi [and tuk tuk] services is, and how they being overcharged, so we would like to conduct this course to improve the quality of drivers in Phuket,” said Suwalai Pinpradab, Director of TAT’s Region 4 Office.

English-language lessons will be taught by a teacher from British Curriculum International School, and drivers who pass the course will receive an English pocket guide specifically tailored for taxi drivers.

Well-known speaker and radio commentator Apichart Dumdee will present a seminar on how to provide good service and how to be a good host.

However, Suwalai said, “Drivers who pass the course and receive a certificate but are reported by tourists for overcharging or being rude will have their certificate taken away.”

Complaints can be lodged by calling the TAT at 076-211036, 076-212213 or 076-217138, or by email to tatphket@tat.or.th

The TAT will investigate complaints before taking action against a driver.