Thai driver faces prison for threatening Singaporean tourist

The 47-year-old driver was charged with “frightening a person by use of threat” at a court session on Monday.

He could face a fine of 1,000 baht ($28.44) and a one-month jail term, The Straits Times reported.

The driver turned himself in after police named him a wanted person.

According to investigators, a dispute broke out between him and a 35-year-old Singaporean tourist when the latter refused to pay an additional 100 baht ($2.88) to be taken to Grand Supicha City Hotel.

The van driver, who works for the Hatyai World Tour agency, said his company only provides transportation within the Phuket city area. He told the tourist he would have to pay an additional fee of 100 baht if he wanted to be taken to the hotel, which is one km from the spot he insisted on dropping the tourist off.

It was unclear where they had initially agreed the Singaporean should alight.

Thailand has welcomed 12.46 million foreign tourists so far this year. It targets a total of 25 million by the end of the year.