Pictures courtesy of Instagram/@cliff_kwj

 

A Malaysian tourist’s unconventional experience in southern Thailand has gone viral after he temporarily took over as the driver of a Grab motorcycle taxi when his elderly Thai rider repeatedly missed turns. The incident, which took place in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province, turned what should have been a five-minute trip into a 20-minute city tour.

 

The tourist, identified as Clifford, shared the video on his Instagram account, @cliff_kwj, where it quickly attracted widespread attention. In the post, he explained that his Grab rider seemed to ignore Google Maps, missing several turns along the route to Hat Yai Train Station. “You know those uncles who just never trust Google Maps? Well, my Grab rider uncle is one of them,” he wrote, adding that he eventually offered to take over the ride himself.

 

According to Clifford, he told the driver to pull over and said, “It’s okay, uncle, let me do it, you just hold my bags.” The video shows the older Thai man seated behind him, clutching his shoulder tightly and nervously glancing at the camera as Clifford drives through the streets. Clifford noted humorously that the man continued to give instructions from the back, repeatedly saying, “slow slow ah…”

 

The clip has since received over 55,000 likes on Instagram, drawing amused comments from social media users in both Thailand and Malaysia. Many praised Clifford for his calm response and the light-hearted nature of the encounter. Others commented on the friendliness of Thai locals and the unpredictable charm of travel experiences in the country.

 

Speaking to Malaysian media outlet WeirdKaya, Clifford explained that he was on his way to catch a train back to Malaysia when the journey took an unexpected turn. Despite the delay, he managed to arrive at the station on time. He expressed surprise that the video went viral, saying it was “just one of the funniest rides I’ve ever had.”

 

The episode has been widely shared on social platforms and Thai news sites, serving as a reminder of how spontaneous travel moments can capture global attention. No further statements have been made by Grab or Thai authorities regarding the incident.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A Malaysian tourist took over driving a Grab motorcycle taxi in Hat Yai after the elderly Thai rider repeatedly missed turns.

• The video of the incident went viral, gaining more than 55,000 likes on Instagram.

• Despite the delay, the tourist arrived at the train station on time and described the ride as a humorous experience.

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from TheThaiger 2025-11-01

 

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The tourist, identified as Clifford,

Clifford looks so happy in the video. 

Such a shame his smiles will turn to sadness once he receives his ticket for not wearing a helmet. 

 

Show me the work permit! Good luck to the bloke, probably provided some worthwhile entertainment into the bargain.

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

he explained that his Grab rider seemed to ignore Google Maps, missing several turns along the route to Hat Yai Train Station. “You know those uncles who just never trust Google Maps? Well, my Grab rider uncle is one of them

One of those mystery tours that cost more.

I've had communication failures end up in sightseeing tours as well

, no bad intent from driver. Just called a Thai speaking friend or family member and had them explain the route

I did the drive myself from Krabi to Kanchanaburi when my taxi driver started to doze off after 20 min, learning he had been driving all night. 

 

The most happy taxi driver I have seen waking up after 9 hours and got to sleep all the way. 

11 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Malaysian tourist took over driving a Grab motorcycle taxi

 

Well it was a GRAB taxi!

3 hours ago, Hummin said:

I did the drive myself from Krabi to Kanchanaburi when my taxi driver started to doze off after 20 min, learning he had been driving all night. 

 

The most happy taxi driver I have seen waking up after 9 hours and got to sleep all the way. 

I hope you got some hefty discount.

Just now, MarcelV said:

I hope you got some hefty discount.

 

At least I felt safe 😉 Nope, no discount , but he paid the gasoline. Back then I think it was 7k or so if I remember right. We moved from Krabi, so I got quite a bit of stuff with me, and sports equipment, so well worth it. 

Just now, Hummin said:

 

At least I felt safe 😉 Nope, no discount , but he paid the gasoline. Back then I think it was 7k or so if I remember right. We moved from Krabi, so I got quite a bit of stuff with me, and sports equipment, so well worth it. 

I'd do that drive for 1000 baht of gas and 1000 baht rental myself.

5 minutes ago, MarcelV said:

I'd do that drive for 1000 baht of gas and 1000 baht rental myself.

We didn’t intend to return, and if you do that ride with return for 1000 baht, and 1000 bath rent, well done

I was in a bus rented to take participants down to a seminar in Hua Hin many years ago.  The driver drove very fast and dangerously and ignored pleas from Thai passengers to slow down.  Finally he went off the road and skidded to a halt hitting a grass embankment, luckily with no serious injuries or damage to the bus.  The driver was a bit shaken up and one of the farangs dragged him out of his seat and told him to sit there and not say anything while he drove the bus which he did very carefully and safely all the way back to Bkk.

 

I heard stories from the hippy trail of dare devil magic bus drivers who were dumped by the roadside in Turkey or Iran by passengers fearing for their lives who hijacked the buses and drove on, eventually abandoning the buses before crossing the next border.  

17 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Clifford looks so happy in the video. 

Such a shame his smiles will turn to sadness once he receives his ticket for not wearing a helmet. 

 

This is true, plus a Malaysian driver's license with a Malaysian international driver's license. But I am guessing they will still charge him for "employment permit" for driver a Grab vehicle.