Taxi Driver Seeks Justice After Alleged Beating by Myanmar Passengers Leaves Him Blind

A 61-year-old ride-hailing driver is seeking justice after alleging he was severely beaten by five Myanmar passengers in a dispute over a 50-baht expressway toll, leaving him blind in one eye and unable to work. The driver, identified only as Supachai, filed a complaint through the Sai Mai Tong Rod assistance centre in Bangkok, stating that the case has seen little progress nearly three months after the incident because police have yet to locate the suspects. According to Supachai, the incident occurred on April 12 when he accepted a booking to drive five Myanmar nationals—three men and two women—from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal to a hotel in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan. During the journey, he asked the passengers if they wished to use the expressway to avoid heavy traffic. He said they initially appeared reluctant but eventually agreed, prompting him to pay the 50-baht toll in advance. When they arrived at the hotel, the ride-hailing app showed a fare of 720 baht. Supachai said he requested a total of 770 baht, including the toll, but the passengers refused to pay the additional 50 baht, accusing him of overcharging. He alleged that a male passenger sitting in the front seat, who could speak Thai, attempted to photograph him. After he objected, an argument broke out, and he was repeatedly punched in the face before losing consciousness. He said all five passengers fled without paying the fare. Supachai regained consciousness at Bang Phli Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a fractured right eye socket, head trauma, and bleeding in the brain. Further examinations revealed severe damage to his right eye, resulting in permanent vision loss. He continues to suffer from headaches and dizziness, rendering him unable to work as a driver. He has since been registered as a person with a disability. After being discharged from the hospital, he reported the incident to Bang Kaew Police Station. However, he claimed investigators only obtained the suspects’ names and passport numbers, without collecting their addresses, workplaces, or contact details, making it difficult to track them down. Inquiries with immigration authorities and recruitment agencies have so far failed to locate the suspects. Ekkapop Luangprasert, founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod page, said he would contact the superintendent of Bang Kaew Police Station to follow up on the investigation. He stated that the case should not be difficult to investigate, noting that CCTV cameras at the hotel where the assault allegedly occurred could help identify the suspects. He urged police to expedite the case and bring those responsible to justice.