Supamas ordered the Consumer Protection Board to collaborate with police and transport authorities to track down the app driver who abandoned a Japanese tourist in the middle of Asoke and then assaulted him again. She also pressured the platforms to share responsibility, expedite victim compensation, and restore the country's image.
On 1 June 2026, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), urgently instructed CPB Secretary-General Ronarong Poonpipat to assist a 52-year-old Japanese tourist who was forced off a ride-hailing app vehicle mid-route in the Asoke area. The driver claimed the fare was not worth the distance, then pursued and physically assaulted the tourist, causing injuries. This was reported by the Facebook page “Je Moi v+” and aligns with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy emphasizing tourist safety and confidence.
Ms. Supamas stated that this incident constitutes a serious violation of consumer rights under Section 3 of the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979). A consumer includes anyone using goods or services, regardless of nationality, so this tourist is entitled to the same protections as Thai citizens. Under Section 4, consumers have the right to safety when using services—that is, when booking a vehicle, they must be safely delivered to their destination, not abandoned or assaulted. Consumers are entitled to justice; once the ride is booked and fare paid, drivers must complete the trip. They cannot claim the fare is insufficient and abandon passengers mid-route. Victims also have the right to compensation for damages. This case meets all these criteria.
The Consumer Protection Board has scheduled a meeting on 5 June 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at their office to summon the app service companies for explanations regarding driver screening and disciplinary measures. They will demand that platforms share responsibility and provide compensation for damages. On Friday, 12 June 2026, about 13 similar service providers will be invited to a meeting to establish unified regulatory standards.
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"I will not allow irresponsible service providers to exploit and harm consumers. Especially since the victim is a tourist, a guest in our country, this matter affects the nation's image. The platform must take responsibility for passenger safety and damages incurred, not just ban the driver and consider the matter closed." Ms. Supamas said.
Ms. Supamas added that this case reflects systemic problems involving the vehicle, the driver, and the platform’s screening system. She therefore instructed the Consumer Protection Board to coordinate with various agencies: the Royal Thai Police to urgently pursue the fleeing driver for prosecution, the Department of Land Transport to oversee the vehicle and public driving licenses, and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency to supervise digital platforms. Officials will visit and provide legal advice to the victim and report results within 30 days.
Ms. Supamas also praised the kindness of local good Samaritans who helped the tourist and prevented the situation from escalating, saying, "The kindness of Thai people in times of crisis helps restore both feelings and the country's image. The government sincerely thanks them."