BANGKOK, Thailand – Police have tracked down a 28-year-old tuk-tuk driver accused of demanding 4,000 baht from two Russian tourists for a journey from Hua Mak Stadium to Sukhumvit Soi 4 in Bangkok. The tourists ultimately paid just 400 baht.
The incident drew attention after a video circulated on social media showing the tourists reacting angrily to the fare demand. The driver reportedly claimed the journey covered around 15 kilometres and that he had picked them up near a concert venue. After the tourists challenged the price, the driver allegedly reduced the demand to 2,000 baht, but they ultimately paid only 400 baht.
Hua Mak police later identified the driver as Piya, 28, who admitted demanding the 4,000-baht fare, according to police. Officers checked his driving documents and found that he did not have the required public transport driving licence. He was charged with overcharging passengers beyond the legally permitted fare and driving a public transport vehicle without a licence.
Reports said the driver was fined a total of 1,500 baht for the two offences. Police have also contacted the Department of Land Transport to consider further legal action. The vehicle owner and driver have been summoned to explain the circumstances before authorities decide on any additional measures.
