30-4-2024 (PHUKET) An unsettling altercation between an English traveller and a local tuk tuk driver in Phuket has ignited a storm of discussion across various social media platforms. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, portrays the tourist engaging in physical confrontation with the driver over a dispute regarding the fare.
The footage depicts the English traveller forcefully grabbing the driver by the neck, vocally demanding to see the currency he used for payment. Despite the driver’s repeated assertions, the tourist’s agitation intensifies, culminating in a slap directed at the driver. In a departing remark, the tourist is heard remarking, “You’re fortunate it was only a light slap.”
According to a social media post initially shared by Oiltuktukpatong Saranate on Friday evening, the altercation allegedly stemmed from a disagreement involving a family member. The account detailed that the relative had chauffeured the tourist to a hotel located at Karon Beach, charging a fare of 400 baht for the service.
However, the English traveller purportedly remitted only 100 baht and then falsely claimed to have tendered a 1,000-baht note. The post further elucidated that the driver proposed involving law enforcement to arbitrate the matter, yet met with physical aggression from the tourist, prompting concerns for his own safety.
“The driver seeks justice. Please circulate this,” urged the final plea of the post.
Significantly, the post does not confirm whether the tuk tuk operator has lodged a formal complaint with local authorities. Despite the existence of video evidence captured by an in-vehicle camera, the identity of the driver remains undisclosed in online platforms showcasing the footage.
Responses to the incident have been varied, with some condemning the tourist’s conduct, while others question the actions of the driver. One commenter remarked, “The more lenient the visa policies, the more unruly the visitors become.”
Several suggestions proposed that drivers should visibly display the currency tendered to them, possibly on the dashboard, prior to returning change.
