Supamas assigned Pradermchai to close the case of an app driver who assaulted a Japanese tourist, concluding with the suspect's confession and the company providing 35,000 baht in compensation. A system-wide discussion with all ride-hailing apps is scheduled for 12 June.
At 17:00 on 3 June 2026 at Thonglor Metropolitan Police Station, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), assigned Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuayluang, Advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, to follow up and resolve the case of a ride-hailing app driver who assaulted a 52-year-old Japanese tourist after forcing him off mid-ride in the Asoke area on 28 May 2026. This follow-up represents an integrated cooperation between the Royal Thai Police, led by Police Colonel Ratthanont Ektitikulpatt, Superintendent of Thonglor Police Station, and the Consumer Protection Board, represented by Ms. Sunita Paoin, in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy emphasizing tourist safety and confidence.
Ms. Supamas said she has been closely monitoring this case from the start, as it impacts both consumer rights and the country's image to foreigners. She ordered the CPB to closely follow every step until the victim receives justice. She emphasized that irresponsible service providers will not be allowed to exploit or harm consumers, especially when the victim is a tourist, a guest in the country. The platform involved must be responsible for passenger safety, not merely banning the driver and considering the matter closed.
Mr. Pradermchai reported on the negotiation results assigned by the minister, stating the 23-year-old suspect came to acknowledge the charges accompanied by his father, the vehicle owner, and admitted guilt as shown in media footage. He said the act was committed in a moment of anger. The suspect wished to meet the victim to apologize, but the victim declined and filed a complaint to pursue legal action. The police pressed three charges: assault causing injury, using a vehicle different from the registered type, and operating a public vehicle without a license. Regarding the assault charge, the police scheduled the case to be submitted to the Phra Nakhon Tai District Court on 4 June 2026 at 09:00.
Mr. Pradermchai said that executives from the ride-hailing app company came to Thonglor Police Station to apologize to the victim on behalf of the service provider and took responsibility by paying 5,000 baht for medical expenses and an additional 30,000 baht in other compensation, totaling 35,000 baht. This aligns with the consumer’s right to compensation for damages. The victim continues to use the ride-hailing app normally, reflecting that the service provider’s acceptance of responsibility has helped restore confidence.
This case constitutes a violation of consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979), which defines consumers as those receiving services from businesses regardless of nationality. Therefore, the tourist is entitled to equal protection as Thai citizens. Consumers have the right to safety when receiving services, to fairness according to the agreed fare, and to compensation when damages occur. Once a ride is booked and paid for, the driver must deliver the passenger to the destination and cannot forcibly eject them midway citing insufficient fare.
Ms. Supamas stated that issues where consumers are treated unfairly by public transport must not recur. She ordered the CPB to summon the service provider company involved to explain their driver screening system, penalties, and preventive measures on 5 June 2026. Then, on 12 June 2026, all 13 ride-hailing app providers will be called along with the Department of Land Transport and relevant agencies to establish unified regulatory standards and fare rates. Coordination with the Department of Land Transport found that only 3 of the 13 providers have legally registered public vehicles; the other 10 have not yet registered. The department will take appropriate action. The CPB, Department of Land Transport, Royal Thai Police, and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency will collaborate fully and report results within 30 days.
“In this case, the suspect admitted guilt and the company provided compensation. But I will not stop at this case. The goal is to make the ride-hailing system safe for everyone, Thai and tourists alike. I urge all consumers: if you are refused service mid-ride, overcharged, or harassed, record the driver’s details, vehicle registration, and booking evidence, then file a complaint via the CPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, the website ocpb.go.th, or any Damrongtham centers nationwide. Foreign tourists can contact the Tourist Police hotline 1155, available 24 hours,” she said. Ms. Supamas concluded with final remarks.