UDON THANI - Tensions escalated at Udon Thani Airport when a confrontation broke out between a Grab driver and a limousine driver.

 

The altercation took place near Exit Gate 3 of the international airport in Udon Thani province. Both drivers sustained injuries during the incident. Mr. Kraingkrai (last name withheld), a 30-year-old resident of Sakon Nakhon province and the Grab driver, filed a formal complaint at Udon Thani City Police Station.

 

He provided closed-circuit television footage of the incident to aid the investigation. Simultaneously, Mr. Teerapong (last name withheld), a 30-year-old employee at Udon Thani Airport and the limousine driver, also reported the incident to the investigating officers, reported Siam Rath.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

According to Mr. Kraingkrai, the incident occurred when he approached the area near Gate 1, close to Exit Gate 3. He questioned why the limousine drivers did not allow Grab drivers to pick up passengers in that specific area.

 

The limousine driver responded with hostility, questioning why he was being confronted and raising his voice to ensure nearby witnesses heard their exchange.

 

The situation eventually escalated into a physical confrontation, with the limousine driver initiating the first blow to Mr. Kraingkrai's face. Ongoing tension between Grab and limousine drivers contributed to the incident.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Grab drivers had previously reported instances of harassment, expressing concerns about potential conflicts with other drivers occupying the same area.

 

Law enforcement authorities were immediately notified, and the limousine driver involved in the altercation was summoned for additional questioning. While the investigation proceeds, the emotional distress caused by the incident outweighed the physical injuries.

 

News reporters attempted to contact airport authorities to inquire about the incident and potential measures being taken. However, they were informed that officials were in a meeting, and their requests for a follow-up meeting were unanswered. The police have invited the Grab driver for further statements, while the limousine driver is awaiting summons.

 

Additionally, a Facebook user shared their personal experience expressing dissatisfaction with the behavior of ride-hailing drivers encountered at Udon Thani.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

They described the drivers as disrespectful and accused them of dishonest practices. The incident they shared involved a negotiation for a higher fare by a driver claiming a far destination. The user expressed disappointment and urged ride-hailing companies to monitor their drivers more closely to maintain their reputation.

 

This incident highlights the ongoing conflicts between ride-hailing service providers and limousine drivers at Udon Thani Airport and emphasizes the importance of professionalism and adherence to regulations.

 

Authorities are urged to take appropriate actions to ensure passenger safety and satisfaction and prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

Top picture: Siam Rath

 

 

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I felt sure this would be Phuket, but no, its Udon Thani?????

8 hours ago, webfact said:

This incident occurred as a result of ongoing tension, with Grab drivers previously reporting instances of harassment by Lyft drivers. The Grab drivers had expressed concerns about Lyft drivers occupying the same area, fearing it would lead to passenger conflicts.

The only conflict is between taxi drivers/riders.

Passengers only want to go somewhere.

I didn't realize Lyft was operating ride hailing services here???

 

Lyft wasn't among the list of 7 ride hailing apps that recently were listed as being approved by the DLT in Thailand.

 

33 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

I didn't realize Lyft was operating ride hailing services here???

 

Lyft wasn't among the list of 7 ride hailing apps that recently were listed as being approved by the DLT in Thailand.

 

Lyft doesn't operate in Thailand, and the Thai language article in Siam Rath doesn't mention "Lyft" at all - it says the conflict was between a Grab driver and an Udon Airport Limousine driver.

Welcome to Thailand! What used to be called the Land of Smiles. They sure know how to welcome you these days. Very sad to see the once welcoming country has turned into. 

17 hours ago, khunjeff said:

Lyft doesn't operate in Thailand, and the Thai language article in Siam Rath doesn't mention "Lyft" at all - it says the conflict was between a Grab driver and an Udon Airport Limousine driver.

Can you imagine if there was added "private" competition amongst the already frazzled market.

Well, in a land which has been milking zillions off tourism it is scary to see, that the local mafia is still full steam at work. 
If you cannot get the taxi service sorted to be a "service" rather than a rip-off then something went wrong. Since 1987 (Amazing Thailand - remember) it is the next generation of crooks, thieves and gangsters at work; previously more in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya but now apparently spreading their wings into the sticks of the hinterland of Isan. 

Keep up the good work and, yes, withhold names as it would result in a possible loss of the ever-so-important-face or getting thrown into the slammer for "defamation"!