A total of 70 per cent of respondents to the latest online poll by The Phuket News voted to allow RVs onto Phuket.
Specifically, 42% voted to “Allow RVs on Phuket, but regulate where they can go, tax them and make them stay in RV parks”.
A further 28% of the respondents taking part in the poll voted to “Allow RVs to roam free across the island like any other private vehicle.”
However, opposition to allowing RVs onto the island, although a clear minority, remained strong, with 30% of respondents voting to “Ban RVs entirely from Phuket.”
The issue made headlines last month, when officials found themselves stumped about what to do with an influx of Chinese travellers arriving on the island in RVs. The news sparked tense online debate about whether or not Phuket should welcome such travellers.
Officials noted that the vehicles, which are technically illegal in Thailand until they are approved by the Land Transport Department, are being brought into the country through a customs loophole.
Other concerns highlighted by officials ranged from RV travellers parking up illegally, dumping waste and travelling “on the cheap” by avoiding hotel stays and shopping at 7-Eleven stores. (See story here.)
For the full poll results about allowing RVs onto Phuket, click here.
If the best response for you was not listed, feel free to mention in the comments below.