Thursday, 18 March 2010

Words fly over boating cartel


via CAAI News Media

Thursday, 18 March 2010 15:04 Chhay Channyda

THE Phnom Penh Tourist Water Transport Association plans to submit a complaint letter to authorities requesting the return of a rogue boat operator who has refused to abide by association rules, which require all members to participate in a centralised booking system.

The association was formed in January and requires boat operators to participate in the booking system, which splits boats into three different types with prices ranging from US$20 to $40 per hour.

Ly Puthy, association president, said a letter thumbprinted by all members would be sent to the Tourism, Interior, Public Works and Transport ministries, and to Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema, requesting that Rin Naran – owner of the Chamkar Sne boat – immediately join the association.

The letter will state that Rin Naran has exploited his freedom and is hurting the businesses of other members.

“Rin Naran is a member of this association, but he does not respect its rules,” Ly Puthy said. “We want authorities to intervene to ask him to come back to our association.”

Hun Chanleak, owner of the Mekong Star Tourism boat, said she supports the association and applauds the fact that every boat has a chance to be profitable.

“I was beaten when competing for customers when we were located at Phsar Chas,” she said. “Now, no one beats others for clients by reducing prices.”

However, Rin Naran said he had never filled out a membership application. “The association prevents our right to freely take customers,” he said. “Customers call my phone, so I take them on my boat.”

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