PATTAYA, THAILAND – A late-night dispute between Chinese tourists and a Bolt driver over cleaning costs ended at a police station in Pattaya with a cash settlement and no injuries reported.
Police called to noisy street dispute
Shortly before 1:50 a.m., officers from the Pattaya City Police Station were called to a loud argument outside a restaurant on Pattaya South Road in Chonburi province. They found four Chinese nationals engaged in a heated dispute with a driver from the Bolt app-based service, drawing the attention of passers-by and other tourists.
Driver reports drunk passenger and soiled seat
The 48-year-old driver, Suriya Boonyuen, told police he had picked up a Chinese passenger from an entertainment venue on Pattaya Third Road who was heavily intoxicated. During the ride, the passenger allegedly vomited on the back seat and soiled the upholstery, prompting Suriya to stop outside the restaurant on Pattaya South Road to discuss compensation of about 1,000 to 2,000 baht for cleaning and washing the seat covers.
Group called in, vehicle reportedly kicked
According to Suriya’s account, the Chinese passengers refused to pay, left the car and called Chinese acquaintances from a restaurant across the street. The argument escalated, and one man from the group allegedly kicked and damaged the rear of the vehicle, while the driver recorded video as evidence and nearby Bolt motorcycle taxi riders intervened, nearly turning the situation into a physical confrontation on the street.
Tensions continue at police station
The dispute continued outside the Pattaya City Police Station, where a Chinese woman in a black T-shirt filmed the drivers with her mobile phone, triggering fresh complaints. She told officers she had already wiped up the vomit with paper towels and, according to police, questioned why 5,000 baht was now being demanded for cleaning the seats and carpets.
“I already removed the vomit with paper towels. Why is 5,000 baht now being requested for cleaning the seats and carpets?”
said the Chinese woman, according to police information.
Officers used an interpreter over more than two hours to explain legal aspects and procedures to both sides.
Tourists accept responsibility and pay 15,000 baht
In the end, the group of Chinese tourists accepted responsibility for the incident and agreed to make a total payment of 15,000 baht to settle the dispute. Police recorded the agreement in the station log and allowed both parties to return to their accommodations, with no further altercations reported and the case officially closed.