Bolt addresses Bangkok taxi driver sexual harassment claim

Ride-hailing app Bolt has issued a statement regarding an incident in which a taxi driver on its platform allegedly sexually harassed a female passenger and charged an excessive fare. The company confirmed that it had received a report about the incident and immediately took action to address the situation.

In its statement, Bolt affirmed that the safety and satisfaction of its users are top priorities. The company promptly investigated the matter, and the driver’s account was permanently suspended as the actions violated the platform’s terms and conditions.

Additionally, Bolt has coordinated with relevant officials to explore legal action against the driver.

Bolt also stressed its ongoing commitment to enhancing safety standards and professionalism among drivers. The company continues to collaborate with partner organizations to improve driver training, including the Confidence in Safe Driving with Boll programme conducted with the Rak Thai Foundation.

The program focuses on creating a safe environment, mutual respect, and upholding high service standards.

While the incident is considered an isolated case, Bolt made it clear that it does not reflect the overall quality of service provided by most drivers on the platform. The company employs strict screening and vetting processes for its drivers, alongside fast-track channels for passengers to file complaints.

Bolt assures passengers that every ride will be treated with the utmost care and attention, reported ch3plus.

The company concluded by emphasizing its full cooperation with the police and its dedication to promoting safe travel standards for all its users.

Original story: Woman to sue taxi driver for sexual harassment in Bangkok

A woman has vowed to take legal action against a hands on taxi driver who allegedly sexually harassed her by touching her leg and smelling her arm.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 10, when the driver also locked the car doors on his taxi cab, refusing to let her leave. Police are aware of the driver’s identity and are actively searching for him.

The victim’s sister revealed that on March 9, her younger sister came home visibly frightened, asking her to review a video she had recorded. The woman had used a ride-hailing service from Sukhumvit to Wat Son in the Suksawat area.

The driver missed the intended drop-off point at Suksawat Soi 35, proceeding to Soi 35/1. He refused to return her phone after checking the map and complimented her as cute.

The victim requested her phone back, which the driver eventually returned. He then demanded an additional 109 baht for the fare. Upon reaching the destination, the driver allegedly reached for her arm, smelled it, and touched her leg.

During this time, he locked the car doors, preventing her from leaving. Out of fear, she pretended to laugh it off to be allowed out of the vehicle.

Once home, she recounted the ordeal to her sister, who, in anger, called the driver to confront him. The driver called back, apologising while crying, and pleaded with her not to report him, even suggesting that she could harm him instead. Ignoring his calls, she decided to take further action, reported KhaoSod.

By 6pm, the woman and her sister had reported the incident at Rat Burana Police Station, where the police were taking her statement. She is determined to pursue legal action against the driver to hold him accountable. The police have identified the suspect and are working swiftly to apprehend him for further legal proceedings.