Passenger refuses to pay full fare in Ayutthaya taxi dispute (video)
A taxi driver encountered an unusual situation when a passenger refused to pay the full fare after being driven from Suvarnabhumi international Airport to Ayutthaya, claiming the taxi meter was rigged.
The incident occurred yesterday, January 15 in a residential area of Mueang district, Ayutthaya province. Local police received a report from the driver, 43 year old Achitsaphong Dokput, regarding the fare dispute.
Achitsaphong explained that the passenger hired him from Suvarnabhumi Airport, opting for a metered fare instead of a fixed rate. Upon arrival, the meter displayed a fare of 1,374 baht, but the passenger argued it was too high, claiming previous rides cost only 700 baht. The passenger then offered only 1,100 baht before retreating into his house, prompting Achitsaphong to seek police assistance.
When the police arrived, they found the taxi parked outside the house, which was secured with a high iron fence. Achitsaphong was waiting for them to intervene. The officers called out to the passenger, who appeared briefly at the gate, claiming he had lost the key and could not come out. From over the fence, he insisted on paying only 1,100 baht, arguing the meter reading was incorrect.
Despite efforts from the police to mediate, the passenger refused to leave his house, eventually tossing 1,100 baht over the fence. He suggested that if the driver was dissatisfied, he could leave the money at the police station.
The incident left the taxi driver baffled by the passenger’s actions. The police advised Achitsaphong to file a complaint at the local police station.
Achitsaphong shared that the passenger, estimated to be between 55 and 60 years old, appeared well-dressed and affluent when hiring the taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province to a village in Mueang district, Ayutthaya. Throughout the journey, the passenger smoked continuously, which Achitsaphong allowed by keeping the car window open. The trip, which started around 3am, ended at the passenger’s destination around 5.30am.
The taxi driver detailed the fare breakdown, mentioning an initial meter reading of 929 baht due to a stop for LPG gas refuelling in Wang Noi district. After refuelling, the meter continued, totalling 1,374 baht, though he was willing to charge only 1,300 baht. However, the passenger refused to pay the full amount, insisting on paying only 1,100 baht, reported KhaoSod.
Achitsaphong remarked that he felt the passenger intended to deceive him all along. Following police advice, he accepted the 1,100 baht to avoid further delays and potential additional costs from returning the taxi late. He considered the financial loss a small sacrifice, likening it to a charitable act.
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