Hua Hin Motorcycle Taxi Driver Arrested For Egg Attack On Tourist

[Big Boy]

I think this story goes a lot deeper than the usual taxi wars that we often hear about. I think it is more about the general job situation, and too many people trying to feed off a diminishing pie. Additionally, the ride hailing app fat cats are absorbing what little profit there is by taking extortionate commission fees. Trying to earn a honest living in Thailand is becomin increasingly difficult.

HUA HIN MOTORCYCLE TAXI DRIVER ARRESTED FOR EGG ATTACK ON TOURIST

Hua Hin police have successfully apprehended suspects responsible for throwing eggs at a Mauritian female tourist. The motorcycle taxi driver claims the act was motivated by stress over declining income. Despite the incident, the tourists have forgiven the perpetrators, stating that Thailand remains the “Land of Smiles” and that they now love Hua Hin even more.

On April 18, Police Colonel Kampanart Na Wichai, Superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, addressed the case of a tourist who shared photos of an unexpected experience – being hit with eggs in front of Hua Hin Railway Station simply for using a taxi app.

The incident occurred on April 17 at approximately 7:00 p.m. when a male Mauritian tourist, traveling with her spouse, arrived at Hua Hin Railway Station. After calling a Grab car to take them to their accommodation, unknown individuals threw eggs at the vehicle, soiling the female tourist’s clothing.

Disturbed by the experience, they posted a warning on the “Life in Hua Hin” Facebook group, which garnered significant public attention and widespread criticism of the perpetrators’ behavior.

Colonel Kampanart stated that after learning of the incident, he immediately ordered officers to track down those responsible. The investigation team reviewed CCTV footage from the area and discovered three similar incidents had occurred between April 12-17.

Officers subsequently gathered evidence and arrested two suspects: “Ms. A” (pseudonym), a motorcycle taxi driver, and Ms. B (pseudonym), a 16-year-old female minor. Both confessed to the crime.

Investigation revealed the motive stemmed from accumulated stress, as the driver’s income had significantly decreased over the past 3-4 months, with Grab cars frequently picking up passengers they considered potential customers. The suspects insisted they had no intention to harm tourists or damage Hua Hin’s reputation. Police have collected evidence and are proceeding with legal charges.

The couple later posted a message thanking Hua Hin police and locals: “We sincerely thank the people of Hua Hin and all tourists for their encouragement after yesterday’s egg-throwing incident. The police professionally brought us to meet the perpetrators for questioning. We commend the officers and Sunday who tirelessly worked alongside Thai police.”

The female tourist continued, “The perpetrator is a youth from an impoverished family. As a teacher who works with young people, I understand the stress and pressure they face, so we requested the police merely issue a warning to prevent such incidents from happening to other tourists. Thai people are hardworking, which is why we return to Thailand 2-3 times annually. We love the ‘Land of Smiles’ and love Hua Hin even more today.

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/202 ... n-tourist/

[Big Boy]

I can only see this situation worsening as low season kicks in.

[STEVE G]

^In the photos with the above article, we can see the size of the motorcycle taxi rider, the Mauritanian lady and her suitcase. There isn’t a picture of her spouse but it would all seem to be an excessive load for a motorcycle!

[Big Boy]

Yes, but he could have made 2 runs

There was nothing stopping him from buying a car himself, and using it as a Grab taxi - I presume most cars used on Grab haven't been paid for.

Seriously, I can really feel for these guys. Regular taxis have lost a lot of business to the likes of Grab and Bolt; and have you ever asked a Grab driver what % of his fare he actually receives? A taxi driver's lot is not an easy one.

[buksida]

Regular taxis have lost a lot of business to the likes of Grab and Bolt; and have you ever asked a Grab driver what % of his fare he actually receives? A taxi driver's lot is not an easy one.

They deserve it as far as I'm concerned. Regular taxis in tourist towns such as Hua Hin are scammers - they charged what they liked because there was no alternative. Now there is and they cant take the piss. 'Som num na'.

A regular taxi/tuk tuk from HH to Kao Takiap wants 300 baht.
A Bolt will get you to Cha-am for less than that.

[STEVE G]

^Yes there was always some taxi mafia scam going on in Hua Hin, that’s why you could never find a taxi with a meter in it.

[Big Boy]

I don't disagree, but I think regular drivers have been forced to reduce their prices. However, its still the amount of taxi drivers trying for a slice of a diminishing pie at this time of year that must cause frustration.

It isn't just taxis, but too large a workforce, and not enough jobs.

[2dandan]

We have used the same tuk tuk driver for many years. He charges 200 baht to or from the town or 300 baht to or from Market Village/Soi 94. He has proven to be very reliable but his prices are just slightly less than a similar distance journey for me in the UK.

We never drink and drive so we need a taxi every day, there and back, so double the above prices. When we are on holiday we stay between 2 and 4 weeks. Over that time costs mount up.

We started using Grab last year to try it. Their costs are considerably cheaper being approx 68 baht to the town or 125 baht to Market Village/Soi 94.

Less than half price, so savings are considerable over a month. We would like to be loyal to the tuk tuk driver but are torn between loyalty and financial sense. His English is not up to scratch and my Thai is virtually non existent so having a discussion with him is not a viable option, particularly if I was trying to ask him to cut his prices which I am not comfortable doing. He is a decent hardworking guy with a family so I will need to try and come up with a balanced solution.

[2/cb]

We have used the same tuk tuk driver for many years. He charges 200 baht to or from the town or 300 baht to or from Market Village/Soi 94. He has proven to be very reliable but his prices are just slightly less than a similar distance journey for me in the UK.

We never drink and drive so we need a taxi every day, there and back, so double the above prices. When we are on holiday we stay between 2 and 4 weeks. Over that time costs mount up.

We started using Grab last year to try it. Their costs are considerably cheaper being approx 68 baht to the town or 125 baht to Market Village/Soi 94.

Less than half price, so savings are considerable over a month. We would like to be loyal to the tuk tuk driver but are torn between loyalty and financial sense. His English is not up to scratch and my Thai is virtually non existent so having a discussion with him is not a viable option, particularly if I was trying to ask him to cut his prices which I am not comfortable doing. He is a decent hardworking guy with a family so I will need to try and come up with a balanced solution.

My balanced solution would be to pay the guy and enjoy the ride.

[Dannie Boy]

Or at least alternate between the two?