Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

Dashcam footage has emerged showing a Thai motorcycle taxi rider pocketing cash dropped by a foreign couple in Phuket, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the island's image. The incident occurred on May 14 in the Patong area and was shared by the Phuket Times on May 15, condemning the rider's actions.

 

The video captured banknotes scattering on the road, prompting some motorists to pause. The foreign couple, identified as the cash's owners, stopped to retrieve their money. While a Thai pedestrian and a store worker helped return the cash, the taxi rider did not follow suit.

 

Instead, the rider parked his motorcycle nearby, and a woman, presumed to be his girlfriend, disembarked to collect some notes, which she handed to him. The rider also gathered some cash himself, putting it in his shirt pocket, even as the foreign woman attempted to collect her money.

 

A foreign bystander witnessed the event and appeared to confront the rider, who, despite nodding in acknowledgment, failed to return the money and quickly left the scene. Although the stolen amount was not specified, the act has been criticised for damaging Phuket's reputation.

 

In the comments, a Thai man shared a similar experience where a taxi rider tried to keep his wallet, dropped while riding, until a postal worker intervened, preventing the loss of 20,000 baht.

 

Many internet users have condemned the rider's actions, urging local authorities to investigate and impose legal consequences to deter future incidents.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-15

 

 

I once saw a female motorbike taxi drop a stack of 100 baht bills from her pocket onto the road while riding in Bangkok. I stopped, picked them up and chased her down, which wasn't too hard on a big bike. When reaching her, I honked a bit to get her attention. She got very annoyed and pointed at the plentiful space next to her for passing. The confusion on her face was great when in response, I handed her a stack of money. 

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A foreign bystander witnessed the event and appeared to confront the rider, who, despite nodding in acknowledgment, failed to return the money and quickly left the scene. Although the stolen amount was not specified, the act has been criticised for damaging Phuket's reputation.

Thieving git...

Quick wai and an insincere apology and that's it dealt with, how about a theft prosecution for both the female and taxi rider followed by the revocation of his taxi licence, if thailand seriously wants to get a grip of the taxi mafia then make an example of them so others think twice