Composite image courtesy of Channel 7

 

In a curious twist of events, a British tourist attempted to settle a 2,000-baht taxi fare from Bangkok to Pattaya with a sizeable bag of marijuana, leaving the taxi driver utterly dumbfounded and frustrated.

 

On the early morning of July 15, 54-year-old taxi driver Prachuap picked up the traveller at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, destined for a hotel in Central Pattaya. Along the way, the passenger assured Prachuap that his wife would cover the fee upon arrival.

 

However, once they reached the hotel after midnight, things took an unexpected turn. The passenger had only 900 baht, and his supposed wife carried a mere 50 baht. When Prachuap requested the remaining 1,050 baht, the tourist brazenly offered a substantial bag of cannabis as an alternative payment.

 

Prachuap, taken aback and insulted by the offer, promptly rejected the unconventional currency and warned the tourist of police involvement. The unperturbed traveller simply walked into the hotel, leaving Prachuap stranded and furious.

 

"I’ve helped passengers without money before out of sympathy," said Prachuap. "But this time, I felt truly taken advantage of. While taxi drivers often face criticism, who's protecting us from such antics?"

 

By 1:30 am, Prachuap had lodged a formal complaint at the Pattaya City Police Station, seeking justice against the cheeky tourist's behaviour.

 

This incident highlights a role reversal in Thailand's typical taxi narratives, usually spotlighting drivers' misdemeanours. Just last week, a driver made headlines for a six-hour detour while watching cartoons, eventually attempting to eject a passenger from his cab in frustration.

 

In a nation where the line between comedy and chaos is often thin, Prachuap’s ordeal underscores that not all road rogues are behind the wheel. Whether this act of herb-based negotiation holds any legal consequences remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an unusual chapter to Thailand's ever-growing collection of taxi tales.

 

Stay tuned as authorities investigate this case of cannabis versus cash, offering a fresh perspective on the quirks of international tourism and the unexpected challenges faced by local service providers.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-15

 

 

British Tourist’s Cannabis Taxi Dispute Settled by Pattaya Police

 

 

Pattaya Police swiftly resolved a cannabis-fuelled fare fracas involving a Northern Irish tourist and a local taxi driver. The driver, Mr. Prajuab Yumekha, accused Mr. Matthew, 34, of attempting to pay for a ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya using a packet of cannabis instead of cash.

 

The incident unfolded when the tourist claimed he had insufficient funds, offering only 900 baht, far short of the 2,000 baht agreed fare. In lieu of money, he allegedly pulled out a large packet of cannabis, sparking a heated exchange.

 

Prajuab insisted on taking the complaint to the police when the tourist refused to pay in cash and fled into a hotel with his wife.

 

Witnesses recount the driver’s frustration with the situation. “Usually, only bad news about taxi drivers harming foreigners is reported, but it’s tourists who take advantage of us too,” lamented Prajuab, feeling unsupported in his plight.

 

Summoned to the Pattaya City Police Station, the tourist explained that he hadn’t intended to use the cannabis as payment, claiming it was a misunderstanding while attempting to locate an ATM. Upon understanding the situation, Matthew agreed to pay the full fare, defusing the tension.

 

With both parties parting amicably and no charges pressed, the Pattaya police ensured a swift and peaceful resolution to what could have become a sticky situation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-07-16

 

 

How did he have a big bag of broccoli after just arriving at Swampy?

Did he fly in with it and take it through customs or is there a shop in the airport where you can buy it?

 

There you go again...a damn Brit! At least it wasn't a stupid American this time. 🤣

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

However, once they reached the hotel after midnight, things took an unexpected turn. The passenger had only 900 baht, and his supposed wife carried a mere 50 baht. When Prachuap requested the remaining 1,050 baht, the tourist brazenly offered a substantial bag of cannabis as an alternative payment

In the country for a short period of time, I wonder where he got that from... or brought it in on his flight?

Who turns up at an airport with next to no money and a bag of weed?, Just another one of those stoned quality tourists we keep hearing about 🤣🤣

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Summoned to the Pattaya City Police Station, the tourist explained that he hadn’t intended to use the cannabis as payment, claiming it was a misunderstanding while attempting to locate an ATM. Upon understanding the situation, Matthew agreed to pay the full fare, defusing the tension.

BS

Another weed using misfit.

Brain destroyed by overuse, probably

Where did he get the weed ?

If either him or his wife lives in the country then you would assume they would have banking apps that they could pay the driver with and if not how do they plan on funding their trip if have no money.

But then if they just arrived off the plane from outside Thailand and only had foreign currency on them then how did they get the bag of weed 🤔

B 2,000 from Swampy to Pattaya!  Was that including tolls?

On the assumption he flew in with it, he would have saved money and aggravation by purchasing his 'medicine' at his destination. He is obviously in need of medical attention 

6 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

BS

Could it have been lost in translation?

5 minutes ago, cookie1974 said:

Who turns up at an airport with next to no money and a bag of weed?, Just another one of those stoned quality tourists we keep hearing about 🤣🤣

 

Ah, Thailand, attracting the upper echelon of world travelers. 

Just now, Seagull Sam said:

On the assumption he flew in with it, he would have saved money and aggravation by purchasing his 'medicine' at his destination. He is obviously in need of medical attention 

 

Hey, that's why he has the weed. Cause, you know, weed cures all ailments. Just a stroll to the local pot shop. They have the cure for what ails ya.

3 minutes ago, Homburg said:

B 2,000 from Swampy to Pattaya!  Was that including tolls?

That is a lot, even for a taxi?

C'mon Bob, give the driver a Rolex next time.

2k to Pattaya?

Im guessing travelled in from another airport in Thailand with no customs. 

4 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

Could it have been lost in translation?

Nah....

Back to the Brits...again...again

I always carry some of these to offer as payment...

 

I am happy to see a Brit making the headlines again.

Wonder how he finished primary school?😂

34 minutes ago, Kenny Boy said:

Another weed using misfit.

Brain destroyed by overuse, probably

Ah yes, the old “all weed users are brain-damaged misfits” trope—textbook sweeping generalization. That’s like saying all wine drinkers are closet alcoholics with liver failure.

Cannabis users range from doctors to artists to CEOs. Meanwhile, alcohol—society’s favorite legal poison—has a far stronger link to actual brain damage, violence, and public embarrassment.

If you’re gonna throw shade, at least bring data. Otherwise, you're just emotionally venting with zero intellectual traction.

Don't be too harsh on this guy, he is Irish after all 

Quote

"I’ve helped passengers without money before out of sympathy,"

 

Sure.  

British chav

 

Of course

52 minutes ago, Expat Tom said:

There you go again...a damn Brit! At least it wasn't a stupid American this time. 🤣

 

It's rarely Americans. Almost always British

 

45 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

That is a lot, even for a taxi?

no mention that the taxi driver was overcharging !

I thought the official price from Swampy to Pattaya was around 1,200 or something like that? Definitely not 2,000, so the taxi driver was breaking the law anyway... 

 

"Upon understanding the situation, Matthew agreed to pay the full fare, defusing the tension."

 

Pure BS!  How gracious of Mathew to pay the full fare. What about compesation for the Taxi driver for wasting his time going to the police station and dealing with this arrogrant narcissistic as#@@ole. The as*$ole could afford the dope, girl, hotel room but decided to play games with the taxi driver and did a runner. There should be at least some additional compensation for the taxi driver. Personally I would like to see him fined and his visa revoked. Send him back to his nanny state where they can put up with his nonsense.

I was at the airport in my home town fixing to fly to Mexico for a few days when a lady showed up... First thing out of her mouth was I have medical Marijuana with me.  Baggage handler didn't even look up. Bags picked up and walked through. Like absoutly nothing.   So it is easy to get threw the airport .. And they had not interest in seeing the weed or the proof it was medical. I was floored..