An arrogant Bangkok taxi driver caught in a video dispute with a Pattaya traffic cop was brought back to the city to face charges.
Cabbie Prasertporn Petchthong and Pol. Lt. Wasutorn Eimsam-ang were summoned to put the embarrassing social media scandal to rest May 23.
Police originally planned to charge Prasertporn with threatening the life of a police officer, reckless driving, driving without a license and illegal parking following the May 20 incident. In the end, he only paid a fine for illegal parking.
Wasutorn was reprimanded for abusing his position and overzealously pursuing the Bangkok cabbie.
The officer was caught in a minute-long video kicking Prasertporn’s taxi. But the officer said the clip did not show the entire incident, which began when he tried to ticket the cabbie for parking in a red-and-white zone.
The driver refused to get out of the car, would not furnish his driver’s license and verbally abused the officer. When Wasutorn moved to clamp his wheels, the cabbie tried to drive off, nearly hitting him. The officer said he kicked out in fear and anger.
The taxi driver was issued a ticket, which he refused to accept, and also initially refused to comply with a police order to return to Pattaya.
Pattaya police chief Pol. Co. Apichai Kroppech said Wasutorn “overdid” his job and will be punished accordingly.
Prasertporn admitted he was in the wrong as well, almost hitting the traffic cop by accident while trying to escape. He claimed he later felt guilty and agreed to return to settle the matter.
He said he’s happy with how things worked out and all sides now consider the case closed.
 |
 |
