Police Hunt Illegal Taxi Driver Who Overcharged Laotian Passenger 4,500 Baht
Police are hunting an unlicensed taxi driver in Ubon Ratchathani who allegedly intimidated and overcharged a Laotian passenger 4,500 baht for a 94-kilometer trip, sparking a crackdown on illegal vehicles operating from the bus station.
Police and transport officials are stepping up efforts to locate an illegal taxi driver who allegedly intimidated and overcharged a Laotian social media creator 4,500 baht for a trip from Ubon Ratchathani bus station to Chong Mek border post.
The creator posted a video and message of frustration after arriving at Ubon Ratchathani bus station to catch a ride home and send goods to his mother, only to be tricked and threatened by an unlicensed taxi driver operating from within the station. The fare for the approximately 94-kilometer journey was inflated far beyond the normal rate, sparking intense criticism on social media for damaging the province's tourism image.
Reporters met with Police Captain Saksri Krairat, commander of Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, who said that after learning of the incident online, he ordered officers to track down the driver shown in the video for extortion and fare manipulation. He called on anyone who recognizes the driver to report them to police. Officers are actively pursuing the case.
Saksri also stated that police will partner with transport officials to conduct sweeps and arrests of illegal black-plate taxis and unlicensed vehicles operating unlawfully within the bus station. Authorities welcome reports from the public about such vehicles so they can take legal action.
Meanwhile, Jakkarakrithi Tangjintrong, Ubon Ratchathani provincial transport officer, revealed that the incident occurred on August 8 around 7:00 a.m. when a passenger from Laos arrived at Ubon Ratchathani bus station and boarded an onward vehicle to Chong Mek. The passenger unfortunately encountered an illegal black-plate taxi—identified as a four-door pickup—and was charged 4,500 baht after being threatened.
Jakkarakrithi said the transport office has verified the vehicle's license plate number and is issuing a summons to the owner to explain their actions. This violates the 2562 Motor Vehicle Act, which carries a fine of up to 2,000 baht for misusing a vehicle. However, because the incident harms Ubon Ratchathani's image, the transport office has coordinated with police to pursue additional fraud charges and suspend the driver's license to prevent similar tourist extortion cases.
