“Tourist safety is a top priority in Phuket. Three tuk-tuk drivers were arrested and indicted for assault after a fare dispute turned physical. #PhuketTourism #TouristSafety #TukTukDriversArrested”
Three tuk-tuk drivers apprehended after tourist assault
On October 9th, 2023, three tuk-tuk drivers in Phuket were arrested following an assault on a tourist from Saudi Arabia outside a hotel. Patong police initiated an investigation after a photograph surfaced on social media, depicting a group of tuk-tuk drivers attacking a Saudi tourist at the Amata Hotel on Rat Uthit 200 Years road in the Patong area.
Investigation and arrests
Upon reviewing security camera footage from the area, the police arrested Anusorn, 29, Apisit, 26, and Nusrulloh, 28, all tuk-tuk drivers operating in Patong. Their full names have not been disclosed.
The incident
The assault transpired on Sunday, around 6:15 AM, when Anusorn transported the tourist from Soi Saen Sabai on Rat Uthit 200 Years road to the 7Q Patong Beach Hotel for an agreed fare of 200 baht. However, upon reaching the hotel, the passenger claimed it was not his intended destination and requested to be taken to the Amata Hotel, further down Rat Uthit 200 Years road.
Fare dispute and assault
When they arrived at the Amata Hotel, the tuk-tuk driver demanded 400 baht, twice the previously agreed-upon fare. The Saudi man refused to pay the increased amount, resulting in a quarrel between the two parties. Anusorn then allegedly called Apisit and Nusrulloh for assistance. Upon their arrival, the dispute remained unresolved, leading to the Saudi tourist being assaulted by the three tuk-tuk drivers.
Legal consequences for the drivers
The Phuket Court indicted the three drivers for assault. In addition to the charges, the police said they would request the Phuket transport office to suspend their operating licenses. The incident highlights the importance of ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for tourists visiting the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What led to the assault on the Saudi tourist by the three tuk-tuk drivers?
The incident began when the tourist and the tuk-tuk driver, Anusorn, had a fare dispute. After taking the tourist to the wrong hotel, Anusorn demanded twice the initially agreed-upon fare. The tourist refused to pay the increased amount, leading to a quarrel. Anusorn then called two other tuk-tuk drivers, Apisit and Nusrulloh, for assistance, and the disagreement escalated into a physical assault.
2. How were the tuk-tuk drivers involved in the assault apprehended?
The Patong police initiated an investigation after a photograph of the assault surfaced on social media. They reviewed security camera footage from the area and identified Anusorn, Apisit, and Nusrulloh as the assailants, leading to their arrest.
3. What are the legal consequences for the tuk-tuk drivers involved in the assault?
The Phuket Court indicted the three drivers for assault. Additionally, the police stated they would request the Phuket transport office to suspend the drivers’ operating licenses. The incident underscores the vital need for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for tourists visiting the region.
