A Patong tuk-tuk driver, who was charged with assaulting his Indian passenger, has been fined 500 baht. The Phuket Express reports that dash-cam footage of the altercation went viral earlier this week.
In the video, a group of taxi drivers can be seen arguing with a group of foreigners on a street in Patong. One of the drivers is then seen physically hitting one of the foreigners in the face. The victim was part of a group of Indian tourists visiting Phuket.
According to an investigation by Patong Police, the tuk-tuk driver seen carrying out the assault had picked up 5 Indian passengers from Bangla Road and taken them to their hotel. On arrival at the hotel, it appears a verbal dispute broke out over the fare. The Phuket Express reports that the argument then escalated, turning physical and spilling into the road, disturbing other road users.
Police later arrested the tuk-tuk driver who had assaulted the Indian tourist. The driver, who has been identified only as Mr Chitnapong, was charged with being a public nuisance and fined 500 baht.
Apparently, he was also told to be nice to tourists and promised he would in future…
There has been no comment from the Indian tourists involved in the fracas.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
