Burmese man detained for assault that left Thai taxi driver blind

Photo – Ko Than Win Win denied repeatedly beating the driver. Khaosod Police have arrested a Myanmar national after a Thai taxi driver alleged he was assaulted by five Myanmar nationals, leaving him blind in one eye. Supachai, a 61-year-old taxi driver who uses an online ride-hailing app, filed a complaint at the Bang Kaew police station, but after three months with no progress, he sought assistance from the non-profit organization Saimai Survive. Supachai said the incident occurred between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on April 12, outside a hotel on King Kaew Road, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. He stated that three men and two women, all Myanmar nationals, hired his taxi from the Mo Chit bus terminal to the hotel. Supachai said he asked the passengers if they wanted to take the expressway due to heavy traffic, and they agreed. He therefore paid the 50 baht expressway toll himself, intending to collect it from them upon arrival at their destination. Upon reaching the hotel, Supachai said he charged a total of 770 baht, including the 720 baht meter fare and the 50 baht toll. However, he said an argument ensued when the passengers refused to pay the toll and accused him of overcharging. Supachai told Saimai Survive that the group then surrounded and repeatedly beat him until he lost consciousness. He said he only regained consciousness at the hospital and did not receive a single baht for the fare. The driver said he sustained injuries to his right eye and suffered a brain hemorrhage. Medical staff later informed him that his right eye had lost its sight, he said. He added that he continues to suffer from headaches and dizziness to this day. Supachai said he sought help from the organization because, despite filing a police report and pursuing the case, there had been no progress. Following coordination with Saimai Survive, police arrested Ko Than Win Win, 26, one of the accused, on Friday, July 3. According to police, Ko Than Win Win admitted to arguing with the driver over the toll fee but claimed he acted alone and that the other passengers were not involved. Ko Than Win Win denied repeatedly beating the driver. He told police that he pushed Supachai, causing him to fall and hit his head on the road. Police have charged the suspect with causing severe injury. Police said they are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the incident. Translated by Moe Thet from Khaosod Burmese man detained for assault that left Thai taxi driver blind. The post Burmese man detained for assault that left Thai taxi driver blind appeared first on BUR.MIZZIMA.COM.