Malaysian tourist overcharged by motorcycle taxi in Hat Yai
A Malaysian tourist recently shared an experience on Facebook about being overcharged by a motorcycle taxi in Hat Yai, Thailand.
The tourist reported paying a 1,000 baht (US$30) fine for parking in a restricted area and an additional 300 baht (US$9) for a short motorcycle taxi ride. This sparked widespread discussion regarding the excessive fare.
Police Major Sittichai Pradap from Hat Yai Police Station ordered the immediate search for the motorcycle taxi driver, identified as Phuwanat, who was subsequently found near Hat Yai City Hall.
Phuwanat faces four charges: overcharging for transport services, using a vehicle for an incorrect purpose, failing to provide passengers with helmets, and exceeding the passenger limit.
Phuwanat admitted his mistake, apologised to the tourist. He explained that he misunderstood the situation, assuming he was to transport only one passenger, but when an additional friend joined, he charged accordingly. He expressed regret for overcharging.
Pol. Maj. Sittichai highlighted that a standard fare structure has been established in collaboration with the transportation department.
For example, the fare for a 1.3-kilometre ride from Hat Yai Station to the clock tower is set at 20 baht (US$0.6) per person, reported KhaoSod.
Residents who feel they have been unfairly charged or encounter fares exceeding those listed can report the issue by calling 074-236-100, and the Hat Yai Police Station will address the concerns.
In similar news, a frustrated tourist in Phuket has once again experienced overcharging by a taxi driver, this time while using the Grab app.
Despite booking a ride at a fixed fare of 264 baht, he was unexpectedly charged an additional 100 baht midway through the journey, sparking outrage and raising concerns about Grab’s ability to safeguard customers from unfair pricing.
The incident took place on March 12, when the tourist booked a red and yellow taxi via Grab for a one-way trip from Bangtao to Patong.
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