Phuket taxi driver refunds Australian tourist 2,700 baht

3,500 baht taxi fare… “Sorry, we meant 800.” 😂 Nothing like a visit from the Land Transport Office to suddenly make the meter work properly. 😎

The driver seems to have gotten off lightly, despite clearly exhibiting the bad traits many drivers are believed to have. Lying and overcharging for a start.... some suspension would be warranted.

Based on the reported facts of this story, there is nothing to deter others from overcharging.

Get away with it and keep the money is one option, give back the extra and keep the original fare is the other.

Downside is zero, other than some time wasted at the cop shop.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Others said the driver would have kept the extra money had the case not received widespread attention on social media.

That's exactly how it is. Who knows how often he has done this before?

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The resolution drew criticism from Thai residents, who questioned why a refund alone appeared sufficient to end the matter. Some argued that overcharging should still bring a legal penalty even if the passenger receives their money back.

He should receive a heavy fine and a driving ban for a certain period. Without a severe penalty, he will do exactly the same thing next time.

"The resolution drew criticism from Thai residents, who questioned why a refund alone appeared sufficient to end the matter. Some argued that overcharging should still bring a legal penalty even if the passenger receives their money back. Others said the driver would have kept the extra money had the case not received widespread attention on social media."

Agree 100% with the above. Unfortunately this will set a bad precedent in that the worse that can happen is that the taxi will keep the fare that he was entitled to and only return the amount he had ripped off. This will only encourage other taxi drivers to aggressively rip off customers until there are consequences for their actions.

The taxi driver should have received a more serious fine cheating a quality tourist to Thailand is not on

Maybe suspended his driving licence for a while send out a message

I think the headline should have been. Phuket taxi driver rips off tourists and made to give a refund