Pattaya gas station worker fired over knife threat in fuel dispute

A gas station employee in Pattaya has been dismissed after a viral video showed him threatening a customer with a knife during an argument over an overfilled gas tank.

A video was widely shared on social media, depicting a gas station worker brandishing a knife at a customer following a dispute over a minor overcharge for refuelling. The incident sparked significant online criticism and concern.

Yesterday, September 2, a reporter visited the gas station, located on Sukhumvit Road. A 54 year old employee named Pa Na, who witnessed the incident, provided more details. Pa Na explained that the altercation began when the customer asked for a full tank but specified an amount of 435 baht (US$12.6).

The worker, referred to as Uncle, accidentally overfilled by approximately 5 to 6 baht (US$0.15 to 0.18). This led to a heated argument between the customer and Uncle, escalating to the point where Uncle grabbed a knife used for cutting gas station seals. However, he did not use the knife to harm the customer, Pa Na recounted.

“The customer was furious about the overcharge, and Uncle lost his temper. He grabbed the knife out of frustration but didn’t attack.”

When contacted by phone, the gas station owner confirmed the incident but noted they had not witnessed it firsthand. The owner spoke with the customer afterwards to apologise for the distress caused and discussed how to handle the situation with Uncle. The customer left without providing further feedback, the owner said.

“I was not there when it happened, but I spoke with the customer afterwards and apologised for the incident. Uncle is not a regular employee; he only works on days when we are short-staffed.”

Following the incident, the gas station decided to dismiss Uncle immediately. Although he was not a permanent employee, his actions warranted immediate termination, reported KhaoSod.

Efforts to contact the original poster of the video for further comments were unsuccessful. Attempts to reach Uncle also revealed that he is currently in a state of fear and has expressed his intention to return home.