Foreign Fare Dispute: Russian Couple Allegedly Dodges Taxi Bill

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

In a recent incident sparking debate in Thailand, a Thai taxi driver vigorously pursued a Russian couple who allegedly attempted to flee without settling their cab fare in Phuket. Capturing the tense exchange, The Phuket Times showcased images and footage of the confrontation unfolding on March 5th, encapsulating the mounting frustrations over such encounters in the tourist hotspot.

 

Eyewitness video highlights the climactic point where the driver confronts the couple after they exited his vehicle. The driver can be heard vociferously demanding his fare, "Hey! No, no, no, pay me! One hundred!" Despite his repeated demands, the Russian man remained reticent, while the female seemed indifferent, dismissing the driver with a wave.

 

Uploaded on social media, the video swiftly garnered reactions from local citizens, with many sharing anecdotes of similar run-ins with foreign tourists, specifically Russians. In one account, a Thai local detailed how some foreigners claim empty wallets and feign ATM failures to avoid payments.

 

 

Adding fuel to the fire, speculation amongst netizens suggests the driver might have sought an additional, unauthorised fare, which could explain the couple's reluctance to pay. However, the situation remains nebulous as neither the driver nor media outlets have expanded further on the details.

 

This incident is the latest in a spate of similar occurrences making waves through Thai news circles, with reports of 'dine and dash' incidents adding to concerns over certain tourist behaviours in Phuket. As patience wears thin, the need for clearer regulations and possible interventions grows increasingly apparent, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-05

 

 

[petermik]

Dear oh dear...a Phuket taxi driver being ripped off.... usually the boot is on the other foot 🙄

[LivinginKata]

41 minutes ago, petermik said:

Dear oh dear...a Phuket taxi driver being ripped off.... usually the boot is on the other foot 🙄

 

100 Baht for a taxi ride. Not a rip off.

 

 

[TedG]

Is the driver seeking justice? 

[ozz1]

Are Russians becoming the new cheap Charlies you wanted them in Thailand now so good luck

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, LivinginKata said:

 

100 Baht for a taxi ride. Not a rip off.

 

 

Maybe it was a 100 baht tip he was looking for?

[Hakuna Matata]

1 hour ago, ozz1 said:

Are Russians becoming the new cheap Charlies you wanted them in Thailand now so good luck

 

 

[PETERTHEEATER]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Adding fuel to the fire, speculation amongst netizens suggests the driver might have sought an additional, unauthorised fare, which could explain the couple's reluctance to pay.

You got it in one

[SMIAI]

13 hours ago, LivinginKata said:

 

100 Baht for a taxi ride. Not a rip off.

 

 

 

Are you dreaming? You live in Phuket and imagine that any taxi there charges as little as 100 baht for a ride anywhere?

It obvious, without me having to look at the article, that he was wanting an extra amount.

[bunnjohn]

4 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Are Russians becoming the new cheap Charlies you wanted them in Thailand now so good luck

Yes I agree Thailand wanted them 

[hotsun]

Thailand just cant say no to russians chinese and indian. Their location means they just have to deal with low class tourists

[Hardcastle P]

Why aren't this Russin "couple" not fighting for their country if the have that much energy to spair