A taxi driver was arrested in Bangkok on Monday for allegedly assaulting and robbing a Turkish female tourist in Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri district on May 18.
The cabbie, Mr Watchara Thanoi, was nabbed at his lodging in Paholyothin Soi 48 in Bangkhen district together with a laptop and a passport belonging to the victim.
According to police, the tourist hailed the taxi driven by Mr Watchara at Don Meuang airport to take her to Aranyaprathet on May 18. The taxi fare was agreed at 2,000 baht with a condition that the tourist must pay for the gas.
On the way to Aranyaprathet, the cabbie stopped at an LPG gas station in Kabin Buri for refueling. He then demanded 500 baht from the tourist who declined claiming that the meter only showed 277 baht of gas being refueled.
Both engaged in a heated quarrel before the victim handed over 15 US dollars to the cabbie who however demanded 500 US dollars. The two again quarreled in the car and the victim wanted to go to the nearest police station but the cabbie said he would drive her back to Bangkok.
While in the car, it was reported that Watchara assaulted the victim as he tried to seize her handbag. The victim later managed to get out of the car and shouted for help.
The cabbie sped away with her belongings, including a laptop and a Turkish passport.
