PHUKET CAB DRIVER WHO DISALLOWS SMOKING ATTACKS AN AUSTRIAN MAN

PHUKET CAB DRIVER WHO DISALLOWS SMOKING ATTACKS AN AUSTRIAN MAN

 PHUKET: On April 3, authorities were alerted by the Thalang Police Station in Phuket Province that a visitor had assaulted a taxi driver in front of the Thep Kasattri Subdistrict Municipality Office. 

When they arrived at Thep Kasattri Road in the Thalang District's Thep Kasattri Subdistrict, they saw a taxi that had collided with a red MG. After then, the three people were taken by the police to the station so they could be questioned. Taxi driver Mr. Wutthiporn said that Mr. Gernot, an Austrian, smoked cigarettes in the cab as they were being driven from Phuket Airport to the Chalong Subdistrict. So he forbade him from lighting up. The international passenger was not pleased because of this.

When the car reached in front of the Thepkrasattri Subdistrict Municipality Office, Mr. Gernot crossed from the back passenger seat to the front seat and locked Mr. Wutthiporn’s neck until the cab driver, unable to control the taxi, collided with Thanongsak’s red MG car, causing damage. At this point, Wutthiporn opened the door and requested assistance. Witnesses helped in notifying the police.

The investigating officer then questioned Mr. Gernot. He admitted his wrongdoing and agreed to reimburse Mr. Wutthiporn and Mr. Thanongsak. The police then stated that they will file a complaint in court on April 4 for assault and injury to a cab driver under Section 291, which carries a punishment of one month in prison and a fine of no more than 10,000 baht.

Mr. Thanongsak stated that he was fine after Mr. Gernot provided compensation for the damages. He spoke with Mr. Gernot, who appeared to understand the situation. He believed Mr. Gernot had done something improper while drunk. But when he was sober, he smiled and snapped photos as if nothing had occurred.

Since September 1, 2016, the Department of Land Transport has designated taxis as non-smoking areas. The vehicle restricts smoking for both drivers and passengers. The car must have a “No Smoking Zone” sticker on its front console. If someone violates it, they will be fined no more than 2,000 baht.

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