A former transport minister in Thailand recently chose to personally repay a Japanese tourist who was overcharged by an unscrupulous tuk tuk driver in Bangkok. He gave 2,000 baht ($64) in cash to the tourist, stating it was his moral obligation as a Thai citizen to make amends.

 

The Japanese man reported on Twitter last May 13 that he had been unfairly charged 6,000 baht ($192) for a journey from Silom to Asoke in Bangkok, a distance of about 6 to 7 kilometers. The driver responsible, later identified as 29-year-old Phummarate, was subsequently arrested and penalized 2,500 baht ($80). The penalty imposed, included 2,000 baht for overcharging and 500 baht for improper conduct while delivering public service. His driver's license was also suspended for 90 days, and he was ordered to undertake three hours of ethical training.

 

Nikorn Chamnong, the former transport minister, stood up to address the situation. He not only expressed his apology to the victim on Facebook on May 29, but was also able to hand over the compensation in person.

 

Nikorn attended a reception for Masato Otaka, the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Thailand, at the Okura Prestige Bangkok Hotel on May 28. Here, he took the chance to apologize to the victim, who accompanied the ambassador, and handed over the reimbursement.

 

Although Nikorn revealed that he had not managed to locate the victim earlier, he expressed relief that he was finally able to make it right. As the former supervisor of the Ministry of Transport, he said he felt it necessary to apologize officially in order to serve as a responsible Thai citizen.

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

-- 2024-05-29

 

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3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

he was ordered to undertake three hours of ethical training.

Yeh sure. Probably goes something like this. "If your going to rip off tourists make sure it's not by too much and make sure you don't get caught".

In other words charging 4,000 baht for a distance of 6 to 7 kilometers is okay.

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Japanese man reported on Twitter last May 13 that he had been unfairly charged 6,000 baht ($192) for a journey from Silom to Asoke in Bangkok, a distance of about 6 to 7 kilometers. The driver responsible, later identified as 29-year-old Phummarate, was subsequently arrested and penalized 2,500 baht ($80). The penalty imposed, included 2,000 baht for overcharging and 500 baht for improper conduct while delivering public service.

6,000 baht fare.. 2,500 total fine?

Laughable.

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The driver responsible, later identified as 29-year-old Phummarate, was subsequently arrested and penalized 2,500 baht ($80). The penalty imposed, included 2,000 baht for overcharging and 500 baht for improper conduct while delivering public service. His driver's license was also suspended for 90 days, and he was ordered to undertake three hours of ethical training.

It appears that Phummarate had anticipated a potential fine and had it diligently included in the total charge. I'm sure he also welcomed the 3 hours nap opportunity in an air conditioned room, and as for the 90 days suspended license, guess what: copy.

11 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Yeh sure. Probably goes something like this. "If your going to rip off tourists make sure it's not by too much and make sure you don't get caught".

 

and never STEAL from the wrong person... that seems mantra for all government professional scammers in power

Will the driver now sue for defamation of character + loss of earnings ? 

He could be on to a winner there.

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

6,000 baht fare.. 2,500 total fine?

Laughable.

You're wrong. Profits from illegal activities are confiscated in Thailand and the fine cannot be paid from illegal profits. Means: 6000 Baht confiscated and the Tuk Tuk Driver pays 2500Fine......understand?🤪

I forget did the driver keep the 6000? 

1 hour ago, ujayujay said:

You're wrong. Profits from illegal activities are confiscated in Thailand and the fine cannot be paid from illegal profits. Means: 6000 Baht confiscated and the Tuk Tuk Driver pays 2500Fine......understand?🤪

Are you sure. 

Ewell that'll make amends for the thousands that get ripped off by the things every day. 😋

 

Surely that journey in a shi,te spewing tut-tuk is only a few hundred baht?, or I am getting very old.

 

ALWAYS agree price before getting in these things and visit cops if ripped off later.

2 hours ago, ujayujay said:

You're wrong. Profits from illegal activities are confiscated in Thailand and the fine cannot be paid from illegal profits. Means: 6000 Baht confiscated and the Tuk Tuk Driver pays 2500Fine......understand?🤪

So if the 6,000 baht fare was confiscated at the time, why was it not returned immediately to the customer?

3 hours ago, ujayujay said:

You're wrong. Profits from illegal activities are confiscated in Thailand and the fine cannot be paid from illegal profits. Means: 6000 Baht confiscated and the Tuk Tuk Driver pays 2500Fine......understand?🤪

You recon?