Bangkok taxi driver rips off South Korean tourist

On June 7, the South Korean tourist booked a taxi from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, to his hotel on Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok, a seven-kilometer journey, The Thaiger reported.

The taxi driver did not use the meter system and charged the tourist 700 baht instead of the estimated cost of about 200 to 250 baht.

A video that has gone viral on Thai social media showed the taxi driver arguing with the tourist in front of the hotel, sparking public outrage.

Many Thai netizens slammed the taxi driver’s behavior for tarnishing the good reputation of Thai tourism.

The taxi driver then admitted his wrongdoing, saying he was sorry and had acted out of frustration due to a lack of passengers that day.

He was summoned for questioning by police and authorities can impose a fine against him as a punishment.

Overpriced taxi services are a main issue of concern among foreign tourists traveling in Thailand, according to a survey conducted by the Tourism Council of Thailand last year.