Phuket taxi driver fined 2,000 baht for etiquette training after overloading incident

Authorities slapped the Phuket taxi driver, accused of overcharging a passenger, a 2,000 baht fine and ordered him to undergo etiquette training. The driver charged a Thai traveler 600 baht for a ride of about 20 minutes from the Kamala Beach area to a hotel in Patong Beach.

The traveler had attempted to book a ride through the Grab and Bolt apps, but drivers from both platforms had refused, apparently due to the area. The traveler says the fare was 168 baht on Bolt. He and his girlfriend decided to hail a taxi, but when the driver told them the ride cost 600 baht, they got into an argument and the police got involved.

The traveler filmed the altercation, where the driver can be seen shouting that the fare is 600 baht, and the videos were widely shared on social media. The driver insulted the passengers and told them to call the police, adding that the officers would not do anything because they are friends.

The taxi driver went to the police station, telling officers that the standard fare for the trip was 600 baht. Police are reportedly still investigating the matter, but the Phuket Land and Transport Department decided to fine the driver 2,000 baht and ordered the driver to undergo three months of training in the ‘label. The department also deducted 10 points from his driving record, which is on a 100-point scale. If his points are exhausted, his license will be suspended.

According to the Phuket police commander, the driver is being investigated for causing fear by threatening and intimidating. Police say they are gathering more evidence from CCTV footage and interviewing more witnesses about the situation before pressing charges. The commander promised the residents that the matter would be dealt with as soon as possible and bring justice to both parties.

THE SOURCE: Khaosod | PR Department of Lands and Transport | PR Phuket