Patong motorbike taxi drivers investigated for Grab driver assault

Motorbike taxi drivers in Patong are under police investigation following a violent assault on a Grab motorbike taxi driver last night. The incident occurred on Phra Metta Road at approximately 9.08pm when Patong Police were notified of the attack.

Police Major Chayakorn Tangsakul, upon learning of the assault, dispatched officers to the scene immediately. Patong Police Chief Chalermchai Hoernsawat was also informed of the situation.

Upon arrival, police found a Thai man, identified as 39 year old Aekapong Krueafaeng from Surat Thani, sitting on the ground with severe head and arm injuries. Aekapong claimed he was attacked by members of a local motorbike taxi queue stationed in front of the Journeyhub Phuket Patong hotel. According to Aekapong, he was repeatedly struck with an iron rod.

CCTV footage circulating online since the attack has corroborated Aekapong’s account of the incident.

When questioned, the members of the taxi queue asserted that they acted in self-defence, alleging that Aekapong initiated the confrontation and attempted to attack them first.

Police coordinated with rescue workers from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation, who transported Aekapong to Patong Hospital for treatment.

Three motorbike taxi drivers involved in the incident, 40 year old Sitthichok Khwankeeree, from Nakhon Sri Thammarat; 54 year old Banjoed Dangpradab, from Phuket; and 38 year old Natawut Katasila, from Sisaket, were taken to Patong Police Station for questioning, reported Phuket News.

Police have yet to confirm any charges against any parties involved in the incident.

In related news, two women reached out to several Thai news agencies to seek justice after a motorcycle taxi rider physically assaulted them in Soi Pattaya 4 after they complained about the rider failing to signal before turning.

The victims, 42 year old Mayom and 25 year old Arthitiya, revealed to Channel 3 and other news agencies that the assault occurred on July 2 in Soi Pattaya 4. Mayom required four stitches to a wound on her head, and Arthitiya suffered a bruise to her eye.