During Thailand's Songkran Festival, a tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok charged a fare of 2,000 baht (about RM247) for a journey of only around 700 meters, leaving a Thai beauty influencer shocked. The incident has since sparked heated discussion on social media.
According to Thai media reports, Eclair Juepak, an online influencer, shared a video on social media on April 14 (Tuesday) describing her experience.
She said she was preparing to travel from the S2O Songkran music festival venue on Thiam Ruam Mit Road to the Fake Club nightclub in Bangkok. The journey was about 700 meters and would take only around 3 minutes.
She claimed that a tuk-tuk driver waiting outside the venue quoted her a fare of 2,000 baht, which left her very shocked.
“I’ve lived in Bangkok since I was young, and the highest tuk-tuk fare I’ve ever paid before was only between 500 to 800 baht (about RM62 to RM99).”
Her video quickly sparked discussion on social media. Some netizens commented that they too encountered unreasonable pricing during the Songkran Festival and even heard of tuk-tuk drivers charging as much as 5,000 baht.
Other netizens pointed out that many taxi drivers refuse to use the meter and instead demand a flat fare.
One man said he originally planned to travel from the same venue to Ekkamai, but changed his mind after being quoted 1,000 baht (RM123). Another woman said that she took a ride from the same location to Royal Avenue, and the tuk-tuk driver asked her for 3,500 baht (RM432).
Sorapong, Director General of Thailand’s Land Transport Department, has been made aware of the incident and said the driver would be summoned for legal proceedings.
He said authorities plan to improve tuk-tuk services through the installation of meters, raising service standards, and addressing public complaints about engine noise.