3-7-2024 (BANGKOK) A late-night taxi ride in Phuket, Thailand, took an alarming turn when a young woman awoke to find her driver lying next to her in her own bed. The incident, which occurred on 1 July, has raised serious concerns about passenger safety and personal boundaries in the ride-hailing industry.
The 25-year-old woman, identified only as Nan, had utilised the Bolt app to request a taxi following a farewell party. Heavily intoxicated, she fell asleep during the journey to her Patong apartment. Upon arrival, she made her way to her room, leaving the door unlocked – a habit stemming from her roommate’s typically later return.
At approximately 3 am, Nan was startled awake by the presence of another person in her bed. Using her phone’s light, she was shocked to discover the taxi driver lying beside her. The woman immediately sought refuge in the bathroom and contacted a friend for assistance.
The driver, later identified as Wasin, reportedly remained in the apartment for up to 30 minutes after Nan’s discovery, bizarrely occupying himself by playing with her cat before departing.
Following the unsettling encounter, Nan promptly reported the incident to local authorities. The case has since garnered significant attention, with the Phuket police summoning Wasin for questioning on 2 July.
In his defence, Wasin claimed that Nan had requested his assistance in escorting her to her room and carrying her belongings. He stated that he entered the apartment at her invitation to deposit her items and was merely consoling her and interacting with her cat. Wasin insisted that no sexual misconduct occurred and expressed remorse for entering the room without fully assessing Nan’s level of intoxication.
Despite Wasin’s explanations, Nan has chosen to pursue legal action, accusing the driver of trespassing at night. The incident has ignited a debate about the responsibilities of ride-hailing services and the potential vulnerabilities of intoxicated passengers.
