Phuket taxi thugs apologize, pay damages for attack on tour driver

PHUKET: The three taxi drivers who assaulted another driver working for a Phuket elephant camp have apologized for the attack and paid 40,000 baht in damages.

Kamala Police Duty Officer Anek Mongkol confirmed today that the three taxi drivers – Wasan Sanae, 35, Sitthikorn Boonsri, 28, and Thanawut Poksakul, 25 – were each fined 1,000 baht for the attack.

The men were identified by Preecha Choowong as among the six people who attacked him as he picked up guests from the Cape Sienna resort in Kamala.

His passengers, two Australian tourists, were in the car at the time of the attack.

Lt Col Anek said the matter was resolved through mediation sessions after Wasan finally presented himself to police on Monday.

Sitthikorn and Thanawut had already presented themselves to police earlier, he said.

Mr Preecha, who works as a driver for the Kok Chang Safari park in Kata Noi, told the Phuket Gazette, “The three drivers came to meet me at the elephant camp where I work to apologize.

“They came with some local government people who I respect and know well. So I felt courteous and accepted the offer of 40,000 baht given to me,” he said.

Lt Col Anek said, “The police will not pursue further action against the three men as both sides have now come to an agreement.”

However, Mr Preecha explained that he will not be picking up guests from Cape Sienna anymore.

As part of the agreement, the elephant camp will send another driver as a precaution to avoid any further potential conflict.

— Atchaa Khamlo