The Chiang Mai red songthaew or baht-bus (shared taxi) driver who made headlines for forcing a Thai passenger to get off in the middle of her ride to pick up foreign tourists has been found and reprimanded by the Cooperative of Nakorn Lanna Transport. The 64-year-old driver, Wathana Srichai, has admitted fault and apologized to both the passenger and the public, promising not to repeat the incident.
The controversy erupted after a 63-year-old Chiang Mai woman posted on Facebook about her negative experience with a red songthaew in Chiang Mai city. According to her post, she and a friend had boarded the vehicle near Nawarat Bridge and agreed on a fare of 30 baht each to get to Pratu Kom Market. However, midway through the journey, the driver stopped to pick up 4-5 foreign tourists and asked her and her friend to disembark. Confused, she took a picture of the situation.
The woman claimed that the driver later tried to call her back into the vehicle when he failed to negotiate a fare with the tourists, but she and her friend refused. The situation escalated when the driver attempted to seize her phone to delete the picture but was unsuccessful. He eventually drove off without further incident.
Boonniam Boonta, the president of Nakorn Lanna Transport Cooperative, summoned Wathana for questioning. During the inquiry, Wathana admitted to the wrongdoing, explaining that it was his first offense and that he had not anticipated the situation spiraling into a viral social media post. He apologized for his actions and assured that he would not repeat them.
In response, Boonniam issued a formal reprimand, warning that further misconduct could lead to his removal from the cooperative. The cooperative has also reached out to other passengers who were in the vehicle at the time to gather more details and present a full account to the Chiang Mai Provincial Transport Office.
Wathana clarified that the misunderstanding arose when he saw the foreign tourists and decided to ask his Thai passengers to walk the short remaining distance to their destination without charging them. He also denied trying to forcibly take the passenger’s phone, saying he only requested that no photos be taken.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism online, prompting the cooperative to remind all red songthaew drivers to manage their emotions and maintain professionalism, as their behavior reflects the image of Chiang Mai’s public transport.
