Photo via @QuintenFrancois on X

 

BANGKOK - A foreign tourist was saved from a potential travel disaster by a Thai taxi driver, who sped him to the right airport just in time for his international flight. The traveller, known as @QuintenFrancois on social media platform X, had mistakenly arrived at Don Mueang instead of Suvarnabhumi Airport for his flight to Tokyo, facing a tight window of just over an hour to make the 60-minute journey. Thanks to the quick thinking of what he described as a "gigachad" Thai taxi driver, the day was saved.

 

The term "gigachad" on the internet refers to an individual who is remarkably skilled or confident. Despite a language barrier, the driver understood the urgency and navigated Bangkok's traffic using lesser-known routes and emergency lanes, allowing him to reach the airport on time. The post on X praised the driver's navigation skills and willingness to help, highlighting the importance of showing respect and appreciation, including a generous tip.

 

The story has resonated widely, with many social media users commending Thai taxi drivers for their expert knowledge of local routes. It also sparked reminders for tourists to confirm airport names in Bangkok, which hosts two major international airports that often lead to mix-ups, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.

 

As travel resumes post-pandemic, this incident underlines the significance of attentive local services and the challenges of international travel. Future travellers are advised to double-check their airport destinations to avoid similar scenarios, as reported by The Thaiger.

 

 

So, I was at the wrong airport in Bangkok. Needed to drive an hour to the correct one, with the risk of missing the flight.

Enter: gigachad Thai taxi driver. The man didn’t understand a word of English, but he understood the mission: get me to the other airport as quick as… pic.twitter.com/2wHUjD4gUD

— Quinten | 048.eth (@QuintenFrancois) December 8, 2025

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• A Thai taxi driver saved a tourist from missing a flight by swiftly navigating Bangkok traffic.
• The traveller praised the driver's resourcefulness and urged respect and appreciation.
• The incident highlights the importance of checking airport details due to Bangkok's two international airports.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Then Thaiger 2025-12-11

 

 

 

60 minute journey ?

Have went from one airport to another many times and was never close to 60 minutes travel time .

Kudos to the tsxi driver for a job well donr

Bonehead who doesn't know what airport he is leaving from.

Influencer?

4 minutes ago, jippytum said:

Kudos to the tsxi driver for a job well donr

Yeah, those emergency lanes come in real handy

5 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

Bonehead who doesn't know what airport he is leaving from.

Influencer?

 

Too busy influencing others instead of influencing himself....😅

He was lucky for sure to make the flight

Hope he gave him a substantial tip. 😉😉

And here we see a driver  who broke the law, possibly many time, getting a pat on the back...oh Thailand  we love you so much.

Understood, check departure airport, allow enough time for traffic, plan to arrive early.

 

Don't understand the language barrier.  Many Free translation apps that support Thai.

 

Looking at the photo at his age, the traffic knowledge, experience using secondary roads and driving abilities are probably top notch.  We salute you mister Taxi man, well done.

36 minutes ago, Farmer1956 said:

Hope he gave him a substantial tip. 😉😉

He gave him 2K baht

1 hour ago, ronster said:

60 minute journey ?

Have went from one airport to another many times and was never close to 60 minutes travel time .

Yes, no big deal. I've done that transfer several times and it never took more than 45-50 minutes. 

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Yeah, those emergency lanes come in real handy

Well, it was an emergency wasn't it? 😆

Amongst all the regular Thai bashing on AN it's good to read a story about a bit of kindness and understanding.  Taxi drivers normally don't get have a great rep, so is nice to read.

A heartwarming story of breaking every law to get the job done. Rare on Thailand.

Giggity giggity.

3 hours ago, ronster said:

60 minute journey ?

Have went from one airport to another many times and was never close to 60 minutes travel time .

but you are not a Thi taxi driver!

3 minutes ago, portisaacozzy said:

but you are not a Thi taxi driver!

No but all my drivers were 👍

2 hours ago, banyanman said:

Yes, no big deal. I've done that transfer several times and it never took more than 45-50 minutes. 

Depends a lot on the time of day, off peak yes,  in rush hour it would be around 1.5 hours! 

As long as he wasn't speeding, this was a great accomplishment.

On 12/12/2025 at 5:00 AM, Watawattana said:

Amongst all the regular Thai bashing on AN it's good to read a story about a bit of kindness and understanding.  Taxi drivers normally don't get have a great rep, so is nice to read.

Must say in my 40 years of Thailand and nearly every year Christmas and New year in Bangkok, I’ve never had a bad taxi driver. I think they do a marvelous job considering the traffic jams ,  the long hours, the heat and pollution . I always tip well. 
Now Phuket and Pattaya is another kettle of fish. Thank god for other options. Still expensive though compared to Bangkok rates.