A Bangkok man was left stunned after a taxi driver who initially agreed to use the meter suddenly demanded a flat fare of 200 baht, only to be discovered without a driving licence or taxi ID.
The incident, shared widely on social media, has reignited public concern over taxi regulation in the capital.
The passenger, who posted the encounter on TikTok under the username @auppatam1, said the driver began the journey by activating the meter as usual. However, shortly after leaving a shopping mall, the driver changed his mind and insisted on a fixed fare. When the passenger refused, the driver pulled over and ordered him to get out.
The situation escalated when the passenger asked to see the driver’s licence or public transport ID, only to be told there were no documents available. The driver further claimed the vehicle’s registration had expired.
The passenger exited the vehicle and took a photo of the licence plate for evidence, prompting the driver to confront him aggressively. The passenger eventually called the police.
The video quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism from netizens. Many expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement and said such behaviour was a key reason why many people avoid using taxis in Bangkok.
There have been renewed calls for stricter checks and penalties for unlicensed drivers.