BANGKOK – A Japanese tourist who was overcharged by a tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok has received 2,000 baht back in Japan from a Thai politician who helped lodge a complaint about this case to the Public Transport Passenger Protection Center.
Nikorn Jumnong, director of the Chart Thai Pattana Party and former deputy transport minister, deposited 2,000 baht of his personal money with Mr. Ohtaka Masato, the Japanese ambassador to Thailand. The money was later sent to a Japanese tourist, along with an apology on behalf of the Thai people for the unpleasant experience.
On June 3, the Japanese embassy informed that the tourist had received the money and conveyed their gratitude.
The incident occurred on May 13, 2024 when a Japanese tourist posted on social media that he and his friends took a tuk-tuk from Thaniya (Silom) to Asoke for 5.8 k.m. but were charged 1,500 baht per person, totaling 6,000 baht for 4 people.
Mr. Nikorn saw the tourist’s post on May 16 and was deeply disturbed. He contacted the Department of Land Transport to inform them about the incident. Later, the Department of Land Transport found the tuk-tuk driver, Mr. Phummiret, aged 29, and penalized him for violating legal regulations:
- Violation of fare regulations under Section 22 in conjunction with Section 60: A fine of 2,000 baht.
- Violation of dress regulations under Section 5(15) in conjunction with Section 58: A fine of 500 baht.
- Suspension of driving license for 90 days.
- Mandatory attendance of a 3-hour training course on passenger service awareness.
“I hope this kind of incident won’t happen again because it’s not good for the image of our country and Thai people,” Nikorn said.
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