Thai Taxi Driver Seeks Justice After Passenger Assault over Fare Dispute

[snoop1130]

 

In Bangkok's Sathorn district, Pipol Sawangsuk, a local taxi driver, seeks justice after an altercation with a passenger who accused him of overcharging. The clash, captured on video, occurred on Chan Road on Saturday, 31st August.

 

Pipol had picked up a man and his daughter from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, destined for Banphaeo General Hospital. Confusion over the route led to a fare of 160 baht, sparking the passenger's ire as he believed the fare should have been 100-110 baht. Heated words quickly escalated, with the man, wearing a blue shirt, shouting and allegedly striking the driver.

 

Despite the altercation, Pipol maintained his innocence and later shared a video explaining the chain of events. He even offered to resolve the dispute at a police station, which the passenger refused. The daughter covertly paid Pipol the fare amidst her father’s rage.

 

 

 

 

In his video, Pipol expressed forgiveness for the physical assault but stood firm against the false accusation of dishonesty. While he reported the incident to Tung Mahamek Police Station, he opted to drop legal action, not wanting to expend further time.

 

This incident brings to light the broader issues of fare disputes and the mistrust between taxi drivers and passengers in Bangkok. As the city grapples with such conflicts daily, it's hard not to question whether this was a case of justice served or an unfortunate misunderstanding.

 

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-02

 

 

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[brianthainess]

Jeez I thought it was a woman screaming at first, I feel sorry for his daughter. Although a screen shot of the meter should have been shown.

[Tropicalevo]

Sorry, but very little sympathy for the taxi driver.

He may be innocent in this case, but after more than 24 years of being overcharged, it is difficult for me to fell sorry for him

[richard_smith237]

6 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This incident brings to light the broader issues of fare disputes and the mistrust between taxi drivers and passengers in Bangkok. As the city grapples with such conflicts daily, it's hard not to question whether this was a case of justice served or an unfortunate misunderstanding.

 

Nailed the point... 

 

The distrust creates a lot of issues which otherwise would not exist...    The very same can be said of many of the tourist vs taxi driver conflicts that we read of. 

 

 

I'd feel terrible if this was a taxi driver who has never 'over charged' a passenger' though I'd consider that chance a rarity.

[Geoffggi]

The majority of the taxi drivers only have themselves to blame IMO, if they used the meter as they are supposed to (without fixing the meter) & the public could trust them to do so there would be no need of any conflict, pay the meter QED ...........LOL