VIP chauffeur punches security guard in parking dispute at Bangkok airport (video)

[webfact]

A chauffeur for a VIP foreign passenger punched a security guard at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok yesterday following an argument over parking at the entrance to the passenger terminal.

 

The 47 year old security team leader, Sergeant Thanakrit, filed a complaint against the assailant, 41 year old Worravit, at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station after the incident, which occurred around 2.30pm yesterday, November 6. Thanakrit submitted CCTV footage of the assault to the police as evidence.

 

In the CCTV footage, Worravit, dressed in an all-black suit, is seen punching Thanakrit in the face. Other nearby security guards rushed to intervene and restrained Worravit before taking him to the police station. The assault took place outside the second floor of the passenger terminal at Entrance Number 4.

 

The road outside the terminal is always congested with vehicles picking up arriving passengers, who exit on the second floor. To maintain traffic flow, airport security guards are stationed in the area, allowing cars to park briefly to collect passengers.

Thanakrit reported to the police that Worravit parked a black Toyota Alphard minivan outside the terminal at 8am that day. Worravit left and returned to the spot multiple times, waiting to pick up his passengers.

 

Thanakrit explained that as more vehicles arrived, he asked Worravit to move his car to prevent a traffic jam. Worravit, inside the car, could not hear him, so Thanakrit shouted to get his attention, which may have angered Worravit, leading to the assault.

 

A female security guard who witnessed the incident, Yasmin Musoh, insisted that Thanakrit did not use vulgar language with Worravit, though she admitted that he shouted at him. Yasmin added that shouting is common practice in the busy area, where engine noise and honking can drown out voices.

 

Worravit claimed that Thanakrit used abusive language towards him and instigated the conflict by bumping into him. The VIP chauffeur added that he did not intend to use violence but punched Thanakrit only once.

 

His account, however, contradicted the CCTV footage, which showed Worravit attempting to punch Thanakrit again even after other guards intervened.

 

Police charged Worravit under Section 138 of the Criminal Code: assaulting or obstructing an officer on duty. The penalty is up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

 

 

by Petch Petpailin
Photo via Channel 8 and Channel 7

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-11-07

 

 

[JoePai]

You know who my boss is ?

[lordgrinz]

I've circled the airport at Don Mueang waiting on my wife a few times, rather than block the pickup area. I guess he felt he can hog the area to himself, like most Thai's, Me First! If someone leaves there vehicle parked unattended, they should be towed and impounded.

[GuyDow]

The congestion would not be so bad at the arrivals level if AOT opened all the lanes instead of reserving the two closest to the arrivals hall for Thai Airways limos to park there.  It really is a mess. There are barriers all over the place forcing arriving passengers into a very small waiting area.

[LespaulAN]

I found the acronym "VIP" are used very loosely in Thailand. Pay extra 100 baht you are VIP.

Anything that cost extra 500 baht is consider luxury class.😀

[Classic Ray]

Controlling the parking outside the terminal is not a job I’d like.

 

Drivers, especially the “professionals” are very selfish and uncaring and think they can park anywhere as long as they like.

 

its no wonder Western airports have started charging drop off and pick up fees.

 

i don’t know why they don’t park in the car parks, only a couple of hundred metres for someone to push a trolley, although they would have to pay a parking fee.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The VIP chauffeur added that he did not intend to use violence but punched Thanakrit only once.

Once is too many... you're fired.

[klauskunkel]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Worravit left and returned to the spot multiple times, waiting to pick up his passengers.

Worravit is seen punching Thanakrit in the face. Other nearby security guards rushed to intervene and restrained Worravit before taking him to the police station.

 

Did the VIPs have to take Tuk-tuk?

[Peabody]

Odd Job would be well-suited to be a "security guard" on Soi 6.

[BangkokReady]

So stupid and pointless.  Someone tells you to move your car, so you physically assault them, possibly facing legal ramifications and losing your job.

 

I know it's a lot to ask, but Thais really need to try and think a little more about the consequences of their actions.