BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 69-year-old taxi driver was attacked and robbed in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng district on 12 October, and three suspects were arrested by police within 24 hours, authorities said.
Attack and robbery
The assault took place at about 14:00 on 12 October after the driver, Mr. Boon, picked up three young men on Sukhumvit Soi 11. They asked to be driven to Soi Ramkhamhaeng 44. According to police and family members, one of the passengers grabbed Mr. Boon by the throat while another repeatedly struck him in the face. A third man rifled his pocket and stole 400 baht (about 10 euros) and his mobile phone.
Despite his injuries, Mr. Boon managed to drive himself home, where his daughter, 37-year-old Ms. Jariya, immediately took him to hospital. Police said the victim was initially too unwell to give a statement.
Police response and arrests
Ms. Jariya reported the incident to Hua Mak police station, prompting a rapid response from Metropolitan Police Division 4 under the direction of Police General Kampanat Arunkeeriroj. Investigators reviewed closed-circuit camera footage that showed the three men fleeing on foot and later taking another taxi from Ramkhamhaeng toward Sukhumvit Soi 16.
Officers located and arrested the suspects on 13 October at Sukhumvit Soi 16. They were identified as Mr. Beer, 26; Mr. Boy, 23; and Mr. Ekaphot, 25. Police said each man was carrying a knife when they were detained.
Confession and recovered evidence
All three suspects confessed to the robbery, telling officers they had entered Thailand recently without legal permission. “We were broke and looking for work,” police quoted them as saying during questioning. Investigators recovered clothing and other items they say are linked to the attack.
Police also traced the stolen mobile phone to a woman named Ms. Kanya, who had bought it for 800 baht near the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the statement said.
Victim and aftermath
Mr. Boon received hospital treatment for his injuries and was unable to comment immediately, police said. His daughter expressed relief at the quick arrests while condemning the violence. “My father has worked his whole life — that someone would attack him so brutally for 400 baht is incomprehensible,” she said.
Charges and wider concerns
The three men were formally charged with armed robbery causing bodily injury, unlawful possession of weapons and illegal entry into Thailand. They were handed over to prosecutors to face legal proceedings.
Police noted the suspects’ claims of desperation but stressed that poverty was no justification for violent crime. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about attacks on taxi drivers in Bangkok and the broader issue of crimes involving people who have entered the country unlawfully.
Authorities said surveillance footage and rapid investigative work played a key role in locating the suspects and recovering evidence, and urged witnesses or anyone with additional information to come forward.