Chonburi Minivan Drivers Clash Over Passengers at Bus Terminal

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A violent altercation broke out among rival minivan drivers in Sattahip, Chonburi Province, on 28 December, leaving one man injured. The brawl, sparked by a dispute over passengers, unfolded at the Charoen Nairuea Bus Terminal in full view of transport officials and passengers.

 

At approximately 12:10, police from Sattahip Police Station and rescue workers from the Sawang Rojana Thammasathan Foundation were alerted to the incident at the public minivan stand servicing the Bangkok-Sattahip route. Upon arrival, they found Mr. Chatree Deekhunto, a minivan driver, with facial injuries and bleeding profusely. He was immediately transported to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital for treatment.

 

According to Mr. Chatree, he had parked his minivan at the terminal to pick up passengers when he was suddenly attacked by a group of about ten men, allegedly drivers from the Chonburi-Rayong route. The attackers mistakenly identified him as someone who had allegedly stolen passengers along the route.

 

Mr. Prateep Bumrungsri, another driver and a friend of the injured man, provided further context. He explained that earlier that day, drivers from the Chonburi-Rayong line accused him of picking up passengers along the roadside, which they claimed violated established rules. In retaliation, the group pursued his vehicle, despite him having passengers on board. After a heated roadside exchange, they allegedly returned to the terminal, where the attack occurred, but mistakenly assaulted Mr. Chatree instead of him.

 

The Chonburi-Rayong drivers later reported the incident, claiming that Mr. Prateep had brandished a knife during an earlier confrontation on Sukhumvit Road near Big C, Sattahip. Fearing for their safety, they drove away but later agreed to meet at the bus terminal to resolve the matter. However, this meeting escalated into a physical fight between the groups, with punches thrown before being broken up by bystanders.

 

Authorities are now investigating the incident, interviewing both parties and witnesses to determine the cause of the conflict. The clash occurred during the “10 Dangerous Days” of the New Year holiday period, a time when authorities are actively monitoring public transport operations for safety and compliance.

 

The Chonburi Transport Office is also involved in the investigation. Police have submitted the names of the drivers and their accomplices to the transport authority for review. If violations of transport regulations are confirmed, those involved could face license revocation and immediate suspension of their operations.

 

-- 2024-12-29

 

 

[Briggsy]

I am a fan of the Chonburi - Rayong Team. Those Bangkok - Sattahip guys are rotters.

 

Up the Chong!

[jacko45k]

The silly season, more about greed than goodwill to all men!

[hotchilli]

23 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Chonburi-Rayong drivers later reported the incident, claiming that Mr. Prateep had brandished a knife during an earlier confrontation on Sukhumvit Road near Big C, Sattahip. Fearing for their safety, they drove away but later agreed to meet at the bus terminal to resolve the matter. However, this meeting escalated into a physical fight between the groups, with punches thrown before being broken up by bystanders.

Thugs servicing public transport... time officials got serious with them.

[TTSIssues]

The guilty parties should be banned from driving for a minimum of one year, and banned from carrying passengers for life.