Speed of fright: Russian woman assaulted by Bolt rider in Pattaya
A Russian woman yesterday found herself the victim of a brutal, violent assault by a Pattaya motorcycle taxi driver, all because she asked for a slower ride. The 41 year old woman, known as Anna, who navigates the busy world of real estate, ordered a ride via the Bolt app for a journey from Soi Kasetsin to her residence near Khao Phra Tamnak early yesterday, November 17.
As the ride progressed, Anna’s anxiety grew. The driver, speeding through the streets without a helmet, ignored safety norms. Her bold request for him to ease up on the throttle was met with anger.
An argument erupted, and in a flash of road rage, the driver abruptly halted his bike in front of a police booth near Khao Phra Tamnak.
In a violent turn, he lashed out, striking Anna in the face and leaving her with a bloodied, swollen lip. Anna’s cries for help drew the attention of nearby passers-by, who quickly stepped in, prompting the driver to flee the scene.
Shaken but determined, Anna later presented the police with damning video evidence of the attack, wherein the assailant, identified as a 20 year old Thai man, is seen taunting and threatening her.
A crucial turn of events saw 45-year-old Surasak, a hotel worker and eyewitness, intervene, making him a pivotal witness in the unfolding saga.
Pattaya City Police are now on the trail, investigating the incident and actively hunting down the rogue driver. Stay tuned as they work to pin down this reckless attacker and bring some semblance of justice to the streets of Pattaya.
Bolt drivers have a history of violence against women.
Less than two months ago, a Thai Bolt driver surrendered himself to the police after slapping a female passenger inside her home in Chon Buri province due to a payment delay.
The victim, 37 year old Jutathip Motanee, filed a complaint against the Bolt driver who physically assaulted her on Saturday, September 21, at Nongprue Police Station. Jutathip also provided police with two pieces of security camera footage showing the assault.
Violent attacks by Thailand’s motorcycle and taxi drivers continue with the Government of Thailand doing little to intervene.
