The Samut Songkhram Provincial Transport Office has ordered disciplinary action against a minibus driver on the Hua Hin-Ekkamai route over an incident involving the driver showing the middle finger to a woman on Rama 2 Road. The driver faces a maximum fine of 5,000 baht and has been summoned to clarify the facts within seven days.
On 23 March 2026, regarding the case of a 59-year-old woman driving with her 90-year-old mother and sister from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram, on 22 March 2026 at approximately 13:13, while driving southbound on Rama 2 Road near the entrance to Bang Kaeo Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Songkhram District, a minibus passenger van registered in Bangkok operating on the Hua Hin-Ekkamai route followed her in an aggressive manner. The minibus then overtook and cut in front, rolled down its window, and showed the middle finger twice, shouting abusive language, which greatly shocked the victim, especially her mother who has a heart condition.
Reporters attempted to contact the victim but learned she had already returned to Bangkok and was unavailable for an interview. However, she provided information through a video clip and a police report stating, “At the time of the incident, I was driving in the left lane as usual because I was with elderly passengers. The minibus aggressively tailgated and overtook me, then showed the middle finger and verbally abused me. I consider this behavior highly inappropriate for a public transport driver, and I feared that if the driver was armed, a serious incident could have occurred. Therefore, I filed a complaint at Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station to pursue legal action.”
Later, reporters met with Mr. Surapol Rienthipcharoen, the Samut Songkhram Transport Officer, to inquire about the case's progress. Mr. Surapol was unavailable for an interview at that moment but explained, “After reviewing the video footage, it is clear that an offense occurred. Therefore, we have issued a summons for the driver involved to come forward and explain the facts within seven days.”
Initially, this conduct violates the Land Transport Act of 1979, Section 102 (2), concerning inappropriate behavior or language while on duty, punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 baht under Section 127. Additionally, if the offense meets criteria for penalty points, the driver will have 10 points deducted from the maximum 100 points to prevent setting a bad example.