Phuket Rider Accused of Demanding Payment to Return Lost Phone

A Phuket rider has faced online criticism after allegedly demanding 5,000 baht before returning a mobile phone lost by a foreign tourist. An audio recording reportedly captured the rider negotiating with a Thai representative assisting the phone’s owner. The requested amount was reduced first to 2,000 baht and later to 1,500 baht during the conversation. The rider maintained that he had not stolen the device and said he wanted compensation for fuel and the effort required to return it. Social media users largely agreed that reasonable travel expenses could be offered voluntarily but objected to money being imposed as a condition for recovering lost property.