7-9-2023 (BANGKOK) A group of five Malaysian tourists on vacation in Thailand had a harrowing experience when they suspected their ride-hailing driver of attempting human trafficking. Their quick thinking and vigilance saved them from a potentially dangerous situation.
On September 5th, one of the travellers, Mr. Tong, shared their terrifying encounter on Facebook. The group, consisting of two men and three women, was enjoying a holiday in Bangkok, Thailand, and had booked a ride to the airport using a ride-hailing app called inDrive.
Suspicion arose when one of the men in the group noticed something amiss upon boarding the vehicle. The car’s windows were tinted black, and the driver discreetly made a phone call, asking about the group’s origins.
Mr. Tong, who understood Thai, eavesdropped on the conversation and overheard the driver reporting their every move to the person on the other end of the line. The driver even expressed feeling “nervous yet excited.”
To corroborate their suspicions, the travellers checked their navigation apps. Waze indicated they were approximately 30 minutes from the airport, while the driver’s Google Maps showed an estimated arrival time of 50 minutes to an undisclosed destination.
Realizing something was amiss, the group requested a restroom break. However, the driver refused to stop, fearing he might be arrested, and offered to stop at a nearby petrol station five minutes ahead. When they checked, the petrol station did not exist.
Sensing imminent danger, the group decided to take matters into their own hands. Amidst a traffic jam, they abruptly opened the car door, exited the vehicle, and retrieved their luggage from the boot. Astonishingly, the driver did not react, question their actions, or request payment.
Mr. Tong emphasized their fortunate escape and urged other travellers to remain vigilant, monitor their whereabouts using GPS, and observe their drivers’ behaviour. He clarified that he shared their story not to cause panic but to encourage caution and vigilance among tourists in unfamiliar places.
