Thai police arrest tuk tuk driver for tourist scam and fake plates

Thai police apprehended a tuk tuk driver accused of using fake license plates and absconding with over US$1,200 (40,500 baht) of a foreign tourist’s money and belongings. The arrest occurred following a detailed investigation, highlighting the challenges of tracking the suspect.

Police, led by Police Major General Samart Promchat, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, arrested 66 year old Boonlert, along with his tuk-tuk. The arrest took place in Soi Rama 6, Soi 21, Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi district, Bangkok. This followed an incident reported by James Anthony Viator, an American national, on August 30 at around 8.22pm at the Chakkrawat Police Station.

James reported that he had taken a yellow-blue tuk tuk from Phaya Thai BTS station to Soi Mangkon in Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong district, Bangkok. The fare was agreed at 500 baht (US$15). However, upon arrival, James handed over 1,000 baht (US$30) to the driver, who then sped away without giving the 500 baht (US$15) change and with James’ belongings still in the vehicle.

Among the items left in the tuk tuk was a passport, 500 US dollars (approximately 18,000 baht), nine pieces of jewellery worth 5,000 baht (US$150), an orange jacket valued at 3,500 baht (US$100), Ray-Ban sunglasses worth 7,000 baht (US$200), a blue cap priced at 1,000 baht (US$30), a black umbrella worth 200 baht (US$6), mobile phone earphones priced at 1,000 baht (US$30), a phone charger worth 500 baht (US$15), and a bag valued at 7,000 baht (US$200).

Investigators faced significant challenges due to the suspect’s evasive actions following the incident. The suspect was reported to have driven around and made multiple stops, complicating the tracking efforts. Despite these difficulties, police eventually identified the vehicle’s registration number and discovered it was using fake license plates, reported KhaoSod.

The investigation led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Boonlert. Upon interrogation, Boonlert admitted to committing similar offences multiple times, primarily targeting foreign tourists. He has been handed over to the Chakkrawat Police Station for further legal proceedings.