A Tuk Tuk driver in Bangkok, Thailand, has sparked debate online after demanding a 4,000 baht (~S$150) fare from two tourists for a 15km journey.
The passengers refused to pay the amount and eventually handed over 400 baht (~ S$15) before entering their hotel.
The incident reportedly happened after The Weeknd’s concert at Rajamangala National Stadium last week over 11 to 13 Oct.
The driver picked up a foreign man and woman outside the venue and took them to a hotel along Sukhumvit Soi 4.
Source: Social Hunter 2024 on Facebook
Upon arrival, he allegedly asked for 4,000 baht for the journey.
When the tourists objected to the fare, the driver reportedly lowered it to 2,000 baht (around S$76).
Source: Social Hunter 2024 on Facebook
They still refused, eventually paying him 400 baht (around S$15) before walking into the hotel.
Footage circulating online showed the driver following them inside and continuing to argue over the payment near the lifts.
In the video, the driver claimed the concert justified charging a higher fare.
Source: Social Hunter 2024 on Facebook
The clip’s uploader, however, criticised the 4,000-baht demand as excessive for a journey of less than 15km and said such incidents could damage Thailand’s tourism image.
The video quickly gained attention on Thai social media.
Many commenters criticised the driver for allegedly overcharging tourists, while others pointed out that traffic around Rajamangala National Stadium can become extremely congested after major events.
According to Thai media, Hua Mak Police Station has not received a formal complaint from either party over the incident.
As such, police have not announced any legal action in relation to the fare dispute.
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Featured image adapted from Social Hunter 2024 on Facebook.