A 52-year-old Japanese restaurateur has complained to police that he was assaulted by a ride-hailing platform driver in the Asok area of Bangkok during an argument over the previously agreed fare.
The man, whose name was not released, said the driver told him, "For this fare, I can only go this far” before ordering him to get out of the vehicle. When he disagreed, the driver assaulted him, he alleged.
The incident reportedly occurred on May 28, and was made public by the Facebook page "Jmoi V+" on Monday.
The complainant said he had booked a ride through the Bolt app to travel from his home to work. He is the owner of a Japanese restaurant in Bangkok, according to Thai media reports.
The trip proceeded normally until they passed Nana and then crossed Asok intersection on Sukhumvit Road, when the driver suddenly said, “I can only go this far.”
When the passenger asked why, the driver reportedly claimed the fare was not worth the distance.
The complainant said he told the driver that if there was an issue with the fare, he should raise it with the app company. He had accepted the job and the fare when taking the booking.
The driver then allegedly ordered him to get out of the vehicle immediately. Although the passenger complied, the driver reportedly followed him and without warning repeatedly punched and struck him on the back of his head, the passenger alleged.
The complainant said he suffered a head wound and multiple bruises. Fortunately, he said, motorcycle taxi riders and passers-by stopped the assault before it became more serious.
Witnesses then accompanied him to file a complaint at Thong Lor police station. The driver fled the scene.
On Tuesday, PM's Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, who oversees the Consumer Protection Board, ordered urgent assistance for the complainant and ordered the ride-hailing platform to provide an explanation by June 5.
She said the alleged attack was a serious violation of consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act of 1979.
Under Section 3 of the law, "consumer" meant anyone who uses goods or services, regardless of their nationality. The Japanese complainant was entitled to the same protection as a Thai citizen, Ms Supamas said.
A passenger should never be abandoned midway through a journey, or be subjected to violence. This fell under Section 4, relating to a consumer's right to safety when using a service. They were also entitled to compensation for any damage.
This case appeared to meet all of those criteria, she added.
Officials would examine the platform’s driver-screening measures and disciplinary procedures on June 5, she said. The platform should share responsibility.
Operators of similar app platforms would be invited to a meeting on June 12 to discuss standardisation of services, Ms Supamas said. There were about 13 of them.
"The fact that the victim is a foreigner makes it even more serious because it affects the country’s image," she said. "The platform must also take responsibility, rather than simply banning the driver and then considering the issue closed.”
She said the incident highlighted systemic problems involving vehicles, drivers and platform screening systems.
The Office of the Consumer Protection Board had therefore been instructed to coordinate with the Royal Thai Police to track down and prosecute the driver in question, the Department of Land Transport to check vehicle and public-vehicle driving licences, and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency to supervise digital platforms.
Officials would also visit the victim, offering legal assistance and counselling, with a progress report expected within 30 days.
Ms Supamas praised the local people who helped the tourist when the incident occurred.
