Video Bangkok Taxi Dispute Sparks Debate Over Payment Methods

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ เรารัก กัน ตลอดไป

 

In Bangkok, a taxi driver ignited a heated debate after refusing to accept a bank transfer and allegedly demanding extra fare from a passenger. The incident occurred when a female passenger needed to withdraw cash from an ATM, causing a delay.

 

The confrontation came to light when a bystander captured the argument on video and shared it on Facebook. In the post, he criticised the driver for his actions, suggesting that he was trying to swindle the passenger out of extra money.

 

In the video, the passenger explained that the driver tried to charge her more due to the delay. The driver argued that he had been waiting for over 30 minutes, leading to a loss of potential earnings.

 

The bystander supported the passenger, suggesting that drivers should offer more payment options to enhance convenience. He noted that accepting bank transfers could prevent similar situations in the future.

 

 

The driver, however, defended his position, insisting that cash is more secure than digital payments and expressing disapproval of over-reliance on mobile phones. Despite his protests, the video appeared to show him grabbing the woman's arm while demanding additional fare.

 

Opinions online were mixed. Some sided with the driver, asserting his right to refuse digital payments. Others suspected him of avoiding income tax, suggesting that such behaviour pushes passengers towards ride-hailing apps.

 

Users advised passengers to confirm payment methods at the start of their journey. Additionally, there were calls for the driver to be investigated by the Department of Land Transport, with claims of previous dubious conduct further fueling the controversy.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-24

 

 

[bkk6060]

I agree with the driver.  Stupid people not carrying cash for a taxi.

[Peabody]

Did he turn off his meter while she was withdrawing cash? If not, it's the same as being stuck in traffic. What a greedy moron.

[still kicking]

Talking about taxis. Just returned to OZ after a stint to LOS. Wife left one luggage on the trolley by mistake, the taxi driver waited about 20 minutes till she retrieved it. Missed one customer while waiting. Never ask for more payment, but I paid him extra on the final destination.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The bystander supported the passenger, suggesting that drivers should offer more payment options to enhance convenience. He noted that accepting bank transfers could prevent similar situations in the future.

Taxi riders/drivers prefer the untraceable cash

[Thumbs]

15 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

I agree with the driver.  Stupid people not carrying cash for a taxi.

If he was driving with his meter running he wouldn't be incurring any extra cost as the meter rises with distance primarily but will revert to time if the vehicle is stationary for a certain amount of time. 

[kevozman1]

A case where I am with the taxi driver. Carry cash when you want to use such services. The NWO agenda aside for the people in control want cashless, maybe the bank transfer system is down, but handing over cash is always a simple method of transfer. 

[Thumbs]

Notice several businesses in thailand are no longer accepting cash. I wonder if you could make a lese majeste complaint against the proprietor?  Cash has the kings likeness on it and under their crazy rules this could well be c,asked as an insult to the monarchy 

[Scouse123]

These are the same type of drivers that refuse to open a meter and demand a fixed price, which is all well and good FOR THEM, until something like this happens, and then they spit the dummy out.

 

I quit with these taxi meters a long time ago and now pay a bit extra, but I get polite drivers, fully insured decent cars and the fare includes all tolls and unforeseen hiccups.

 

I also don't have arguments or discussions about paying extra dependent on the amount of luggage I am carrying.

 

A ride in an SUV from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang  airport costs me 900 baht.

 

I do, however, make sure I have CASH with me.

 

Now and again, due to an unforeseen event, I have stopped at an ATM, but it's never taken me thirty minutes, more like 3 or 4 minutes.

[Searat7]

Since last year a saw many taxis display QR code in the rear seating area and I found this to be very convenient but tourists probably cannot use this feature.

[sikishrory]

I agree with over reliance on electronic methods but for taxis it's nice. 

Can't be bothered playing the "I have no change" game. 

Infact I avoid taxis because of it and overcharging. 

[Patong2021]

For reference sake; Bangkok set fare: Stand-/Waiting (per hour)฿ 180.00

 

Base fee  incl. 1.0 km฿ 40.00

2. to 10. Kilometer฿ 6.50

11. to 20. Kilometer฿ 7.00

21. to 30. Kilometer฿ 8.00

31. to 40. Kilometer฿ 8.50

Every additional kilometer฿ 9.00

50 Baht airport surcharge for trips starting or heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).\

Expressway tolls are extra.

 

[new2here]

To me, there’s a few issues all packed in here 

 

In no specific order, did the driver state or is it clear, up front that payment in alternative forms are accepted? if so, then it would appear the pax would be “right”.  If not, then i think the driver would have a case.

 

As far as not having enough cash goes- I agree that the passenger has the onus to ensure they have sufficient cash to pay for the expected fare OR make it clear and acceptable up front, that the taxi would need to stop and wait (with meter running) while the pax gets more cash 

 

As far as the claim that he “grabbed her arm” goes .. For me, one you lay hands on another - without support of law - then you’re automatically out of bounds and I’d agree that legal intervention is appropriate. 

[Cornish Pasty]

Taxi drivers are aggressive bullies in LOS.

 

Many are usually strung out on Ice.

 

Mark.

[Foek]

Its anoying that so many people not have cash anymore , paying at 7/11 only  60 but and still need to scan which with some people take forever

[Thingamabob]

If the driver was not told by the customer before accepting the ride that she had no cash, and if he was subsequently kept waiting for 30 minutes at the end of the ride while the customer tried to obtain cash, then my sympathy is with the driver.

[cracker1]

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

These are the same type of drivers that refuse to open a meter and demand a fixed price, which is all well and good FOR THEM, until something like this happens, and then they spit the dummy out.

 

I quit with these taxi meters a long time ago and now pay a bit extra, but I get polite drivers, fully insured decent cars and the fare includes all tolls and unforeseen hiccups.

 

I also don't have arguments or discussions about paying extra dependent on the amount of luggage I am carrying.

 

A ride in an SUV from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang  airport costs me 900 baht.

 

I do, however, make sure I have CASH with me.

 

Now and again, due to an unforeseen event, I have stopped at an ATM, but it's never taken me thirty minutes, more like 3 or 4 minutes.

"A ride in an SUV from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang  airport costs me 900 baht." Are you aware there is a free bus on this route ?

[kingstonkid]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Taxi riders/drivers prefer the untraceable cash

 

They need to have stickers on the cabs that state if they take digital or not.  

 

Personally though I hate these people who do not have any cash in their pockets and expect everyone to wait while a payment goes through.  

 

My wish is that there is a power outage or bank systems go offline and watch the screaming of those who have no idea how to use money.

[Scouse123]

2 hours ago, cracker1 said:

"A ride in an SUV from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang  airport costs me 900 baht." Are you aware there is a free bus on this route ?

 

Not my style: riding along in a bus with two heavy suitcases, hand luggage, and an iPad, and being seated with the great unwashed.

[Scouse123]

2 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

 

They need to have stickers on the cabs that state if they take digital or not.  

 

Personally though I hate these people who do not have any cash in their pockets and expect everyone to wait while a payment goes through.  

 

My wish is that there is a power outage or bank systems go offline and watch the screaming of those who have no idea how to use money.

 

Same in the supermarkets.

[Magictoad]

I never use my phone to pay for anything.  Strictly cash only. I'm part of a campaign group to keep cash in circulation.  I don't understand all these people who use credit cards.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

 

They need to have stickers on the cabs that state if they take digital or not.  

 

Personally though I hate these people who do not have any cash in their pockets and expect everyone to wait while a payment goes through.  

 

My wish is that there is a power outage or bank systems go offline and watch the screaming of those who have no idea how to use money.

Full agreement, I live out of my arse pocket.

[spidermike007]

There is a very simple solution to this, just leave the house with some cash in your pocket!

 

Who would get in a taxi without bringing some cash, and why would someone expect the taxi driver to patiently wait at an ATM while you withdraw money that you should have had to begin with? This is just another example of self entitled snowflake culture. 

[Peabody]

34 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Who would get in a taxi without bringing some cash, and why would someone expect the taxi driver to patiently wait at an ATM while you withdraw money that you should have had to begin with? 

Pet peeve...

Who would drive a taxi without sufficient fuel, and why would someone expect the passenger to patiently wait outside the taxi while he gets the fuel that he should have had to begin with? And then the driver goes way off-route to a station where the fuel is 5 satang cheaper. They should ask you in advance, when they hear the destination, that they will have to stop for fuel, do you mind waiting up to 20-30 minutes to fill their tank.

[spidermike007]

2 minutes ago, Peabody said:

Pet peeve...

Who would drive a taxi without sufficient fuel, and why would someone expect the passenger to patiently wait outside the taxi while he gets the fuel that he should have had to begin with? And then the driver goes way off-route to a station where the fuel is 5 satang cheaper. They should ask you in advance, when they hear the destination, that they will have to stop for fuel, do you mind waiting up to 20-30 minutes to fill their tank.

You make a reasonable point, and I think that it's fair to expect that it works both ways. 

[Andycoops]

He's scum, take his licence away, if he's got 1, 555

He wants cash only because he's a scammer.

Another dumb buffalo herder from the countryside.

[Geoff914]

22 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

I agree with the driver.  Stupid people not carrying cash for a taxi.

So that gave him the right to assault her?

[Geoff914]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

There is a very simple solution to this, just leave the house with some cash in your pocket!

 

Who would get in a taxi without bringing some cash, and why would someone expect the taxi driver to patiently wait at an ATM while you withdraw money that you should have had to begin with? This is just another example of self entitled snowflake culture. 

Who hasn't mistakenly found themselves with out cash. Why does that give the taxi driver the right to assault the passenger. What next he gets the base ball bat/machete out of the boot/trunk.

[richard_smith237]

6 minutes ago, Geoff914 said:

22 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

I agree with the driver.  Stupid people not carrying cash for a taxi.

So that gave him the right to assault her?

 

Apparently so.. he agree's with the driver !!...   OK.. .I think he meant he understands why the driver became frustrated...

 

Firstly, we have a passenger with no money...  She could have easily asked the driver at the beginning of the ride if he accepted Prompt-Pay... She didn't protect her situation.

 

Secondly, we have the passenger taking 30mins to get money ?... this is just weird... or was the driver exaggerating?

 

 

Nevertheless, none of this warrants the driver attacking the woman...  But the woman should have offered a resonable tip - she did make him wait additional time.

 

 

Then of course there is the final point: The Woman not having cash - had many options at her disposal: Grab, BOLT etc...    

 

Then of course, there is another point: I've often asked drivers to stop off on the way so I can pick something up from a 7-11 etc... no issues (but I also tip them for their additional time afterwards).

 

And... Who hasn't been in a taxi...  when the driver decided he needs to go to the toilet and you are stuck there waiting while they've nipped to the loo thinking, why didn't they do this on their own time.

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

5 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

They need to have stickers on the cabs that state if they take digital or not.  

 

Personally though I hate these people who do not have any cash in their pockets and expect everyone to wait while a payment goes through.  

 

Personally though, I hate these kind of daft comments...  using my QR Payment is so much quicker than paying by cash...   Just last night - Staff brought over the QR payment and I'd paid up before my mate had taken the cash out of his wallet and put it in the black folder, then he still had to wait for change.

 

Its seems its the boomers who just can't keep up... .

 

5 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

My wish is that there is a power outage or bank systems go offline and watch the screaming of those who have no idea how to use money.

 

Good luck getting your cash out of an ATM at such a time... 

 

You never paid for anything via a Debit or Credit card before ??? - careful what you wish for in your Anti-Digital bias, you forget you've been cashless in many transactions for decades already.

 

 

 

All of that said: Even though I find cashless so much quicker and simpler...   getting in a Taxi and not having cash on you at any point is somewhat foolish... I think this woman was rather dumb to do so....  and then also careless taking so much time to actually get cash.... 

 

Its like getting in a taxi and only having a 1000 baht note...   

 

 

Cashless: I keep 1200 baht tucked away in my phone case...   there if needed.