Thai man refuses to pay 80-baht fare, attacks Bangkok Bolt rider
Police arrested a Thai man for refusing to pay an 80-baht fare to a Bolt rider and attacking him in Soi Pracha Uthit 17 in Bangkok at the weekend.
The Bolt rider, Kitikawin, took to a Facebook group for Bolt drivers to warn others and filed a complaint against the attacker, 19 year old Phuwadon, at Rat Burana Police Station. The incident occurred at around 8.20pm on Saturday, February 1.
Kitikawin stated in the post that he picked up the passenger, Phuwadon, from Bang Wa BTS Station, with the destination being a condominium at the end of Soi Pracha Uthit 17. The trip was 11 kilometres, and the fare was 94 baht.
Upon arrival, Phuwadon told the rider that he paid the fare using a credit card linked to the application. However, the app indicated that the passenger was required to pay Kitikawin in cash. The rider then demanded the fare and even offered Phuwadon a discount, saying he would accept only 80 baht.
Phuwadon told Kitikawin to speak to his girlfriend on the phone if he wanted the fare but she did not answer his call. Kitikawin said that he and Phuwadon argued for a while before Phuwadon suddenly punched him in the face.
Drug use suspected
Phuwadon punched him three to four times before telling him to follow him to his condominium if he wanted the fare. Kitikawin decided against following him as the entrance to the condo was very dark. He left the scene and later reported the incident to the police.
Officers arrested Phuwadon yesterday, February 4. Before entering an interrogation room at the police station, he briefly spoke to the media.
“I don’t have money. I will go to jail but I’ll be out soon.”
Phuwadon’s girlfriend told Channel 7 that she suspected he attacked the rider in anger after she failed to answer his call. When Phuwadon arrived home, she gave him money to pay the fare, but the rider had already left the scene.
According to a report on Channel 8, Phuwadon exhibited strange behaviour, similar to someone under the influence of drugs while at the police station. However, the police have yet to confirm the results of a drug test.
The attacker was charged with assault, which carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. He was released on bail and will be summoned for a court hearing later.
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