Fare fight: Ride-hailing drivers trade blows in brawl at Bangkok airport
A confrontation between drivers of a popular ride-hailing app erupted into a brawl at Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s taxi parking area. The incident, shared on social media today, March 26, involved two drivers who had earlier engaged in erratic driving.
Video footage captured by a bystander shows drivers from the app’s service attempting to mediate the dispute. The clip ends with a man in a yellow and black floral shirt brandishing a fruit knife and punching a man in a blue shirt, leading to further efforts to break up the fight.
Reporters visiting the scene later confirmed that a physical altercation did occur, as depicted in the widely circulated video. They reached out to both parties involved for interviews, securing phone interviews that were recorded with their consent.
Natdanai, a 50 year old driver, explained that the altercation stemmed from an earlier incident where he was cut off while driving on Suvarnabhumi Road 2.
As he approached the bus terminal intersection to turn right into a parking area, he noticed the other car, an electric vehicle, suddenly accelerate towards him. After narrowly avoiding a collision, he parked and confronted the other driver, 46 year old Sukarn.
According to Natdanai, Sukarn approached with a knife, which led to a scuffle before being separated by bystanders.
Natdanai admitted to reacting out of anger, believing Sukarn intended to stab him. He stressed that his vehicle was part of the app service, while the other was identified as a green-plated electric car.
Sukarn countered Natdanai’s claims with dashboard camera footage showing him driving normally in the second lane from the right when Natdanai’s vehicle attempted to cut into his lane.
Sukarn said he was initially able to avoid a collision, but the situation escalated when Natdanai confronted him.
Sukarn admitted to showing a knife he kept in his car for fruit peeling, asserting it was meant as a deterrent, not for use.
The drivers’ altercation continued, with Sukarn alleging Natdanai pursued him around the parking area. Sukarn eventually sought refuge in the lot, hoping for assistance from security personnel and passersby.
He filed a police report after the incident, noting that tensions flared again in the parking area when Natdanai attempted to initiate another confrontation.
Legal action
Both drivers have now lodged complaints with the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station. The police are set to review evidence and interview witnesses to proceed with legal actions.
Phallop Chaiyintu, chairman of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Transport Association, confirmed the incident. He stated both drivers had been cutting each other off outside the airport and continued their dispute inside the parking area.
The association aims to maintain order by ensuring vehicles meet legal standards and enforcing rules to prevent such conflicts, reported KhaoSod.
Phallop clarified that the altercation was not related to customer competition but personal issues that escalated.
He noted that the association and airport officials do not condone such behaviour and will suspend culpable parties from operating within the premises until resolved.
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