PHUKET — A dispute between a taxi driver and a Saudi tourist in Phuket ended with both parties being fined 500 baht each after a physical confrontation over fare payment.
Taxi driver Suradech Srikun reported to Thalang Police Station on January 3 that a foreign tourist assaulted him by kicking him during a disagreement over taxi fare payment when the app-based payment system failed.
The incident began when Suradech picked up the passenger from Patong for an app-quoted fare of 570 baht. The passenger, identified as Mr. Turki, 21, from Saudi Arabia, only had 200 baht in cash and requested to get additional money from his hotel. Upon arrival, Mr. Turki lacked Thai currency and asked to exchange money at a nearby shopping mall.
The situation escalated when Suradech demanded additional payment for the extra trip to the mall. During the argument, Suradech knocked away the tourist’s phone, prompting Mr. Turki to kick him. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media.
Police investigation concluded both parties were willing participants in the altercation. Both men admitted to the charges of minor physical assault and agreed to pay fines of 500 baht each. The case concluded with a handshake and mutual apologies, with neither party pursuing civil damages.
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