Pattaya Songthaew Driver Suspended for Overcharging Tourists
A Pattaya songthaew driver has been suspended for seven days after overcharging two Thai tourists 300 baht for a ride on July 5, prompting the Songthaew Cooperative to launch a disciplinary investigation and refer the case to provincial tra
The Pattaya Songthaew Cooperative has taken action against a driver accused of overcharging two Thai tourists 300 baht for a ride from Runway Market Pattaya to Terminal 21, despite the vehicle being full of passengers. The incident occurred on July 5 at 11 p.m. and was shared on Facebook by the affected passengers, who were shocked by the excessive fare and felt taken advantage of despite visiting Pattaya frequently and normally encountering friendly people.
Thongchai Sukhkhojoy, chairman of the Pattaya Songthaew Cooperative, stated that upon learning of the incident through social media platforms, the cooperative promptly contacted the affected Thai passengers to discuss the matter directly. He assured them that the cooperative would enforce its regulations and transport rules strictly and not let wrongdoing slide. "Wrongdoing must be punished," he said. "We've called in the driver for questioning and imposed an initial penalty: a seven-day suspension with the vehicle parked at the cooperative office and a warning notice posted. We're also reviewing his disciplinary record to see if he has violated regulations before, and we will refer the case to the Chonburi Provincial Transport Office for further action."
The driver apologized to the public and the two passengers, citing rainy weather on the day of the incident. He expressed remorse for his actions and stated he is prepared to accept the punishment from both the cooperative and transport authorities to make amends.
