A widely followed travel page has denounced exorbitant prices charged on the island, including for domestic tourists, reigniting the debate on taxi fares.
On 18 May, the Facebook page dedicated to Thai tourism « Backpaeger », followed by more than 500,000 people, shared an experience that quickly sparked reactions on social media.
Upon arriving in Koh Samui, its administrator was approached as soon as he disembarked from the ferry at Na Thon port by a moto-taxi driver demanding 300 baht to reach Chaweng beach.
The rider justified the fare by claiming it was a preferential rate reserved for Thais. According to him, the usual amount would be closer to 500 baht for foreigners. The author of the post then publicly questioned: is this the local norm or an opportunistic practice?
« This is already the lowest price. Others ask for 500 baht. I’m giving you a discount because you’re Thai like me. »
The post highlighted much cheaper alternatives on the same route, notably minibuses at 100 baht or traditional shared pick-up trucks. This case recalls a recurring problem in the country’s main tourist destinations, where local transport fares are regularly deemed excessive by Thai travellers themselves.