CHIANG MAI — A tuk-tuk driver who was caught on video shouting and making crude gestures at a Chinese tourist met with police on Monday to explain the incident that has since gone viral on social media.
The video was shared by the Chinese tourist under the title “Thailand is not safe,” describing an unpleasant encounter near a hotel in the city center. According to the tourist’s account, the tuk-tuk driver loudly asked if he wanted a ride, and when he declined, the driver began shouting abusively and physically assaulted him, prompting the tourist to file a police report.
The incident was picked up by Chinese tourism media, which reported that Chiang Mai was unsafe, leading to widespread criticism.
On September 1, the 27-year-old tuk-tuk driver, identified as “A” (pseudonym), met with Police Colonel Prachya Thisala, superintendent of Chiang Mai City Police Station, to explain what happened on August 28 in downtown Chiang Mai.
The driver said he was driving along Ratchamankha Road when he saw tourists walking and asked “Where are you going? Want a ride?” as he and other drivers routinely do. However, the Chinese tourist shouted back in Chinese with what he recognized as profanity directed at his mother, causing him to lose his temper and respond as shown in the viral video.
“I’ve been driving tuk-tuk for two years and have had tourists curse at me before, but never about my parents. I admit this incident damaged Chiang Mai’s image and I want to apologize to everyone. I won’t let this happen again,” the driver said.
Police Colonel Prachya Thisala said the Chinese tourist who posted the video had filed a daily report at Chiang Mai City Police Station, but when police tried to take his statement, he indicated he was not yet ready to provide testimony.
“This incident has significantly damaged Chiang Mai’s reputation. The provincial transport office has also come to investigate this matter,” said Police Colonel Prachya. He spoke with the tuk-tuk driver and requested cooperation from all passenger vehicle operators to exercise extreme caution and patience, emphasizing that such incidents must not happen again.
Police stated they will coordinate with all passenger vehicle drivers to discuss proper conduct when serving both Thai and foreign passengers, urging them to show patience and avoid confrontations while providing careful service to passengers.
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