BANGKOK, THAILAND – A foreign man allegedly attacked a Bolt driver, stole his motorcycle and disappeared, prompting a police search and public appeals for help.
Late-night Bolt ride turned into robbery
Around 11:15 p.m. on Monday, a foreign passenger booked a Bolt ride from the Rama VIII Bridge area in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district to Pattaya. The promised fare was over 1,200 baht, and driver Ekkasit Jitwijarn accepted what appeared to be a lucrative trip. When they met at the pick-up point, the passenger suddenly turned violent.
“He attacked me, pushed me off the motorcycle and drove away with it,”
said Ekkasit Jitwijarn, Bolt driver.
Everything happened within seconds, according to his account posted on Facebook.
Stolen Honda Wave and a crucial selfie
The robber fled with a white and dark blue Honda Wave 125i, license plate 8 ขบ 4448, leaving the driver without his work vehicle. The suspect had registered in the Bolt app under the name “Dzintars,” which could indicate Latvian origin. As a precaution, the victim had taken a selfie with the man, an image that now serves as a key wanted photo in the search.
Police search stalled, driver offers reward
Ekkasit reported the robbery to the police, but so far there were no new investigative leads and the suspect remained missing. In desperation, the driver offered a reward for information that could help track down the fugitive. The online community was urged to assist, as the incident highlighted the dangers app-based drivers faced every day.
Similar case in Phuket raises concerns
The Bangkok robbery was not an isolated incident. In November, a motorcycle was stolen in Phuket in a similar way, again involving a foreign suspect. Surveillance cameras there showed a man pretending to play with a dog before stealing the bike, and police in both cases had not announced any arrests, raising questions about a possible pattern of impunity.
High risks for app-based motorcycle drivers
Motorcycle taxi drivers often worked at night, transporting strangers to unfamiliar locations, leaving them largely defenceless. This robbery underlined the existential risk they faced, as a stolen motorcycle could mean the loss of their entire livelihood. The safety measures of ride-hailing platforms came under renewed criticism, with observers questioning whether a simple name in a user profile was sufficient.
Open questions over suspect’s escape
The case also raised the question of whether a foreigner could simply vanish with a distinctive stolen motorcycle. Commentators argued that airports and border crossings needed to be alerted to prevent an easy escape. The selfie taken by the victim could prove to be crucial evidence, and the Thai public was called on to remain vigilant.
“Please help me get my motorcycle back,”
said Ekkasit Jitwijarn, adding that his livelihood depended on it.
Impact on Thailand’s tourism image
Such violent crimes involving foreigners were seen as damaging to Thailand’s image as a safe travel destination, fuelling prejudice and fear. Authorities faced pressure to guarantee safety on the streets for both residents and law-abiding tourists. Commentators stressed that the case needed to be solved to send a clear message that crime would not be tolerated, regardless of who committed it.