Hat Yai Motorcycle Taxi Overcharges Malaysian Tourist, Police File 4 Charges

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Daily News

A motorcycle taxi driver in Hat Yai has been arrested for overcharging a Malaysian tourist and now faces four charges, including vehicle seizure.

 

A Malaysian tourist shared on Facebook, in Chinese, about their experience in Hat Yai, Thailand, which ended at the police station. After using a motorcycle taxi service, the tourist was charged THB 1,000 in fines at the police station and paid THB 300 for the ride, deemed overpriced.

 

Upon learning of the incident, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sitthichai Pradap of the Hat Yai station ordered traffic police to locate and apprehend the motorcycle taxi driver.

 

The driver, named Mr. Phuwathat, was found near Hat Yai’s municipal office with his white and black Honda Click bike and arrested on four charges: overcharging, improper vehicle use, not providing safety helmets, and overloading passengers. The motorcycle has been seized for evidence.

 

 

 

Mr. Phuwathat explained that he initially agreed to transport one passenger, but when two people showed up, he charged accordingly. He apologised for the overcharge.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Sitthichai stated that, in collaboration with local transport authorities, there is an initiative to standardise fares for tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis. Public notices will display fixed rates, like a 1.3-kilometre trip from Hat Yai Station to the Clock Tower costing THB 20 per person.

 

If passengers encounter unfair charges, they can lodge a complaint via 074-236-100, and the Hat Yai police will address the issue.

 

Based on a story by Daily News

 

-- 2025-03-28

 

 

[flyingtlger]

This type of BS happens on a daily basis in Thailand especially to tourists. 

Good to hear that at least this one got busted......

 

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

After using a motorcycle taxi service, the tourist was charged THB 1,000 in fines at the police station and paid THB 300 for the ride, deemed overpriced

 

So the tourist went to the police station to complain about the 300 baht charge and was fined 1,000 baht by the police for not wearing a helmet?

Moral of the story - do not complain to the police.

[norsurin]

I took a motorcycle taxi in hua-hin.I stayed in soi 70 and wanted to go near the police station.Well..the driver misunderstood me even i speak thai well.We went a totally wrong direction and after about 5 km i told him to stop.I explained to him where i wanted to go and we both laughing.He took me to my destination and didn't charge anything extra.Anyway i gave him 200 baht instead of 40 baht and both happy.

[CanadaSam]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

the tourist was charged THB 1,000 in fines at the police station

 

WTF?

[watchcat]

On 3/27/2025 at 9:01 PM, webfact said:

A motorcycle taxi driver in Hat Yai has been arrested for overcharging a Malaysian tourist and now faces four charges, including vehicle seizure.

 

Good keep to the rules