A Thai commando police officer took decisive action against a taxi driver attempting to overcharge him using a manipulated meter, resulting in the driver’s arrest. The incident occurred on the morning of June 9, 2024, when Police Lance Corporal Phubate Rattanaphong was traveling from Mor Chit Bus Terminal to his home in Soi Pracha Uthit 28, located in Bangkok’s Huay Kwang district.
Phubate recounted to Channel 3 that the taxi driver, a man estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old, initially greeted him warmly and struck up a conversation. The driver claimed to be a retired teacher, while Phubate disclosed that he was an officer with the Commando Police, also known as the Special Service Division (SSD).
Halfway through the journey, Phubate noticed an irregularity with the fare meter. The fare had already reached 130 baht, significantly higher than the usual 100 baht for similar trips. Upon closer observation, he discovered that the fare increased each time the driver pressed a small button on the turn signal switch.
Phubate confronted the driver, asking, “Are you being honest with me? I am not going to ask you again. Are you cheating me?” The driver initially claimed that the higher fare was due to his car being larger than other taxis. However, Phubate, aware that taxi fares are determined by distance and not vehicle size, was not convinced.
Under further questioning, the driver admitted to using a modified system to control the meter. He justified his actions by saying he had done this only a few times to earn extra money to buy food for stray cats and dogs. Despite the driver’s plea for sympathy, Phubate found his explanation unconvincing and suspected the driver had been overcharging many passengers.
Phubate instructed the driver to head to Huay Kwang Police Station instead of his intended destination. Despite the driver’s pleas for forgiveness and promises to never overcharge passengers again, Phubate remained resolute.
At the police station, officers charged the taxi driver with attempted fraud. The penalty involved a fine, though the specific amount was not disclosed. The modified taxi meter is now under investigation by the Land Transport Department, which may lead to additional charges against the driver.
Excessive mention of officials and individuals present at the incident has been moved to the end of this article for context and completeness.
