PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities revoked a van driver’s licence and brought assault charges after a video showed him hitting a foreign tourist at Phuket International Airport.
Confrontation at departure area captured on video
The incident occurred on a Thursday evening in the departure area of Phuket International Airport, where 31-year-old driver Rattawit Budwicha was seen in a heated argument with a tourist. Suddenly, he swung a plastic water bottle and struck the woman on the head, leaving nearby travellers and airport staff stunned. The footage spread rapidly across social media, triggering a wave of outrage and prompting police to launch an immediate investigation.
Driver cites rubbish dispute as trigger
Speaking to police, Budwicha said he had transported twelve tourists from Patong to the airport for a fare of 1,200 baht. He claimed he became angry because the group allegedly left rubbish in the van and said he demanded that they clean it up, which led to an argument. In his anger, he grabbed the bottle and hit the tourist, later apologising to the victim, but the apology came too late.
Swift sanctions and formal complaint
Authorities responded quickly and decisively, with the Phuket Provincial Transport Office revoking his professional driving permit. His driving licence was suspended for 180 days, and he was additionally fined for wearing inappropriate clothing while on duty. Airports of Thailand, which operates the airport, filed a formal complaint, and police have now officially charged him with causing bodily harm.
Concerns over Thailand’s image and public safety
Investigators stressed the gravity of the incident, saying the driver’s behaviour posed a danger to public safety and seriously damaged the image of Thailand as a safe and welcoming tourist destination during the peak season.
“Such incidents must not be repeated.”
said unnamed official sources. The case has been handed over to the public prosecutor, and violence against tourists is being met with zero tolerance.
Case seen as warning to transport sector
Officials viewed the case as highlighting Thailand’s sensitivity around the treatment of visitors and as a clear signal to the transport sector. The accused driver now faces court proceedings that could determine his future. For the assaulted tourist, the holiday ended in a traumatic way, leaving her with the hope of justice in a Thai court.