UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand – A driver of an unlicensed taxi admitted demanding 4,500 baht from a Lao passenger. He now wants to repay 3,600 baht after negotiations.
The 32-year-old driver, whose surname was not published, appeared at police in Ubon Ratchathani on August 11, 2026. He confirmed he had initially demanded 4,500 baht from the passenger.
Driver admits demanding 4,500 baht
The passenger had tried to push the price down to 1,500 baht. The driver then said he would escort the passenger to the police. In the end, both agreed on 3,600 baht.
The driver had approached the passenger and his luggage at the Ubon Ratchathani bus station. He quoted a price of 50 baht per kilometre.
Journey from bus station to border
He drove the passenger to the Chong Mek border crossing in Sirindhorn district. The distance is about 94 kilometres.
When they arrived, the driver named the total price of 4,500 baht. The passenger refused to pay that amount, leading to the confrontation.
Driver deposits 3,600 baht for refund
The driver apologised to the Lao passenger and deposited 3,600 baht with the traffic authority for return. The passenger can go there and collect the sum.
The case became known through a video and a post by the Lao creator ‘Bak La Krap Channel’. The footage sparked outrage online.
Traffic authority fines and suspends license
The traffic authority penalised the violation for unauthorised use of the vehicle with a fine of 2,000 baht. It also ordered the driver to temporarily stop using his personal driving license.
The police chief of Ubon Ratchathani told the driver he could apply for proper registration with the traffic authority to operate a taxi with black plates. After that he could also sign up for a ride-hailing system. After questioning, repayment and the official fine, the man was allowed to leave.