Bangkok Taxi Driver Fined for Refusing Passengers in Viral Video

A Thai police officer has gone viral after posting a video showing a taxi driver allegedly refusing passengers and violating multiple traffic rules near Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.

The clip was shared on Facebook by an officer known as "Jaa Auan Bolikhamsai," who works at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Traffic Control Centre under the Traffic Police Division.

In the post, the officer said the taxi was "parking and waiting for passengers, then refusing them after they got in," adding that the driver had three outstanding fines and was not properly dressed.

In the video, the officer is seen riding a motorcycle past a taxi parked along the roadside near the airport entrance, where two passengers were reportedly trying to get a ride. After the driver refused them, the officer stopped and questioned the situation.

He then admonished the driver for allegedly selecting passengers instead of providing service fairly, before speaking to the passengers and checking whether they needed assistance in finding another vehicle.

The officer later inspected the driver's documents and issued charges for refusing passengers and illegal stopping to wait for passengers, with fines of 500 baht each, totalling 1,000 baht.

According to the post, the driver initially attempted to negotiate for only one charge, but the officer added a third charge for improper attire.

The taxi driver was also found to have three previous unpaid fines, meaning this case became the fourth offence recorded.

After issuing the penalties, the officer instructed the driver to immediately move the vehicle and not remain parked in the area.

The video drew widespread attention online, with many netizens praising the officer for strict enforcement and saying such actions could improve discipline among taxi drivers and serve as a warning to others.