A non-licensed motorcycle taxi driver has been arrested for overcharging two passengers he picked up from Mochit 2 bus terminal who couldn’t find a ride during the New Year’s holiday, police said yesterday.
Thammarat Aumnoiwong reportedly overcharged two women on Jan. 2. Bangsue Police said he has been convicted on drugs charges and theft in the past and admitted to overcharging passengers for more than 10 times.
The two victims told police they traveled from northeastern Ubon Ratchathani to Mochit. Thammarat approached them at the terminal and offered them both a ride to the main road where they would be able to hail a taxi.
All three rode the bike to the main road, but after reaching it, Thammarat attempted to charge them THB450, for a ride of one kilometer distance, INN News reported.
The law states that for a distance of less than two kilometers, the fares of a motorcycle taxi cannot exceed THB25. However, moto drivers often charge double when two passengers ride. Still, the fare should not have exceeded THB50.
When the two women argued and negotiated the fare to THB100, Thammarat allegedly threatened them and grabbed one of them by the collar. The women hailed a taxi and escaped. Then they filed a police report.
One of the victims, Sudarat Boonchai, posted a video of their encounter with Thammarat. The The fake moto-taxi driver is seen harassing the two women even after they got in their cab.
Police charged him for extortion, driving without a license, and using a private vehicle to provide public transport.
He is facing a five year imprisonment and/ or THB100,000 maximum fine.
