Pattaya taxi drivers avoid charges after harassing and frightening Bangkok driver
A group of taxi drivers in Pattaya recently found themselves in hot water but avoided any charges or fines when they were caught harassing a Bangkok driver and frightening his passengers. The driver, 43 year old Jamnong Sutaboon, showed no remorse when summoned by the police on Thursday, May 4 to explain his actions. A video circulated online showed him and a fellow Pattaya taxi driver harassing a 43 year old Bangkok-based driver named Supiwat near Walking Street.
Supiwat stated that he brought tourists from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Pattaya early in the morning and then stopped to grab a meal. While eating, without his “available” light on, he accepted a ride request for three passengers through the Grab app to take them to Laem Chabang. However, as he was leaving the passengers’ hotel, he was confronted by two Pattaya-based taxi drivers, including Jamnong. They questioned Supiwat’s origin and claimed that he was not allowed to pick up Pattaya passengers, despite him being legally registered to use the Grab app.
Supiwat managed to drive off, but the aggressive Pattaya taxi drivers pursued him until they cornered him again at the intersection of the South and Third roads. Once more, they cited unspecified transport regulations that supposedly prevented him from operating in Pattaya and attempted to force the passengers out of the vehicle. The passengers refused to comply, and when the traffic light turned green, Supiwat was able to speed away and successfully leave Pattaya.
Supiwat criticised Jamnong’s actions, asserting that they are both part of the same profession and that he possesses the legal right to pick up Grab passengers. Although the police questioned Jamnong, they neither fined nor pressed any criminal charges against him. Instead, they stated they would conduct further investigations and make recommendations to the Chon Buri Land Transport Department to prevent any future incidents of this nature.
