Phuket Taxi Tension: Police Hunt Down Suspects in Driver Threat

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

In a dramatic incident at Boat Avenue, Phuket, police have identified two men accused of threatening metered taxi driver Phudit Sa-atphan after he picked up foreign passengers earlier this month. The suspects, named Preecha “Kim” Leo-in and Somsak “Games” Taveesin, were identified by authorities, who are now actively searching for the pair.

The confrontation occurred around 10:30 p.m. when Phudit was leaving Boat Avenue with two foreigners headed to the Laguna area. Two men on motorbikes confronted him, questioning his right to pick up passengers from that location. Captured on video, the altercation has stirred public attention online.

Phudit, 60, quickly reported the incident to Cherng Talay Police Station, urging faster action. In a notable statement, he said, “If I’m wrong, I apologize. But you shouldn’t have threatened to shoot me."

Despite the viral spread of the video, Phudit remains in the dark about the case's progress. Growing criticism of police inaction has placed the Cherng Talay Police under pressure. Police Chief Colonel Wiraphong Rakkhito confirmed the suspects’ identities on February 23 and assured that the investigation is ongoing.

The case highlights growing concerns over taxi operational disputes in the bustling tourist area. As police intensify their search for the suspects, the community and the online world await further updates, reported The Thaiger.