Pictures courtesy of TMN

 

A 67-year-old motorcycle taxi driver in Pattaya was hospitalised after being violently assaulted in the early hours of 26 November 2025, prompting public concern over safety and escalating tensions between riders and licensed transport operators. Rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation responded at around 05:00, to Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 21 in Pattaya, where they found the injured driver, Mr Somchai Sangkawatan, in a state of fear with bruising across his body and a dislocated left shoulder. His wife remained beside him, visibly shaking and watching anxiously for any return of the attackers.

 

The incident followed an earlier exchange on the same day in which Mr Somchai, who has impaired vision in his left eye, had asked a female delivery rider to move further from his motorcycle taxi stand to pick up a passenger, in line with agreed transport rules. According to his statement, the rider appeared unhappy, but he did not anticipate further conflict. Later that night, two young men on a motorcycle with a green rider delivery box arrived at the stand, shouted for him and when he approached, one placed him in a headlock and pointed a knife at his waist.

 

Mr Somchai attempted to push the weapon away and noticed the same female rider nearby, while the men accused him of driving her away. He tried to flee but, due to his age, could not move quickly and was kicked, punched, knocked to the ground, and repeatedly stamped on before managing to crawl away and collapse outside a laundry shop. A nearby resident intervened, prompting the attackers to leave, allowing rescuers to provide first aid before transporting him to hospital. After he was taken away, the group reportedly returned to the area, revving their engine loudly through the alley without showing remorse.

 

At the scene, a sign reminded riders to pick up passengers 100 metres from the motorcycle taxi stand under a Department of Land Transport agreement, along with the Pattaya City Police hotline number. Members of the public were able to record clear images of the suspects and their motorcycle registration while they continued to verbally abuse the injured driver and CCTV footage also captured parts of the incident. The victim’s wife was seen raising her hands in a plea for the group to stop the assault before they left the area.

 

TMN reported that police have received the footage and evidence to support efforts to identify and locate those involved for legal action. The case has drawn strong reaction due to the victim’s age, disability and the severity of the assault, amid ongoing concerns about repeated clashes between delivery riders and motorcycle taxi stands.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 67-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was assaulted and hospitalised after a dispute over passenger pick-up rules.

• Suspects were recorded on video, including clear images of the riders and their motorcycle registration.

• Police are examining evidence to identify and take legal action against the attackers.

 

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 Adapted   by   Asean   Now from TMN 2025-11-27

 

 

35 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

After he was taken away, the group reportedly returned to the area, revving their engine loudly through the alley without showing remorse.

What a bunch of tough guys eh? Rather infantile in reality. 

So much for the 'Land of Smiles' moniker!

67 year old. sad story.

 

When they catch them.

Don't forget to arrest the lady that set the thugs on him as well. 

Pops, a motosai taxi operaterator, spoke politely to a delivery driver? Sure. They hate delivery drivers. They kick the crap out of bolt riders.  It's more likely that he ran his mouth because it was a woman and got more than he bargained for in return.  

 

As an aside, does anyone know where the woman in the black dress (2nd photo) works?  

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr Somchai, who has impaired vision in his left eye,

Did he always have this disability or was it a consequence of the beating?

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr Somchai, who has impaired vision in his left eye,

Bad thing to happen, but should he even be driving ?...

32 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Did he always have this disability or was it a consequence of the beating?

sounds like he had it before the beating.

2 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

Pops, a motosai taxi operaterator, spoke politely to a delivery driver? Sure. They hate delivery drivers. They kick the crap out of bolt riders.  It's more likely that he ran his mouth because it was a woman and got more than he bargained for in return.  

 

As an aside, does anyone know where the woman in the black dress (2nd photo) works?  

Cute. 
 

While I agree, some of those motosai taxi riders are scumbags, it was an excessive and cowardly. He dissed the wrong party this time. 

2 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

Pops, a motosai taxi operaterator, spoke politely to a delivery driver? Sure. They hate delivery drivers. They kick the crap out of bolt riders.  It's more likely that he ran his mouth because it was a woman and got more than he bargained for in return.  

 

As an aside, does anyone know where the woman in the black dress (2nd photo) works?  

 

Lita.

 

 

the world turned upside down. Man bites dog sort of thing. "Everybody knows" that it is the drivers who are supposed to beat up passengers, with uninvited other drivers joining in with a boot or two. Sheesh

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Later that night, two young men on a motorcycle with a green rider delivery box arrived at the stand (...)

 

Wonder, what company name it is...

Am I the only one shaking my head that a man with impaired vision is allowed to work as a mototaxi driver?

4 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Cute. 
 

While I agree, some of those motosai taxi riders are scumbags, it was an excessive and cowardly. He dissed the wrong party this time. 

 

Did you note the size of the man? He'd have made a fine katoey in his youth.  Big men are used to getting their way, especially with smaller and weaker individuals.  Som nam na. 

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

Am I the only one shaking my head that a man with impaired vision is allowed to work as a mototaxi driver?

 

Half of them are blind drunk and ripped on meth. Being driven around by the 6'2" cyclops suddenly became an attractive option. 

23 hours ago, brian69 said:

sounds like he had it before the beating.

I thought so too which is why I questioned why he was allowed to drive.

51 minutes ago, mikebell said:

I thought so too which is why I questioned why he was allowed to drive.

Could be 5years since he renewed his license, or he just doesn't have one......

2 hours ago, mikebell said:

I thought so too which is why I questioned why he was allowed to drive.

I have a bad left eye, no problem getting a motorcycle license.  No problem riding either, just a little more careful. 

5 hours ago, marcusb said:

I have a bad left eye, no problem getting a motorcycle license.  No problem riding either, just a little more careful. 

i caused an accident due to cataract on my left eye once,

cause i couldnt properly asses distance and speed of a bike in the dark

Only solution ..... take away the license of licensed taxi drivers who disbehave.. It is getting total out of controlm as they claim they have all rights to scam and do as they like ...... severe punishment is the only solution. This is the 21st century and people are making choices and although maybe they have a license they are not superior to others.