Patong ride-hailing driver says four foreign passengers sprayed substance at her

A ride-hailing driver was hospitalised after becoming dizzy, weak and short of breath while carrying four foreign passengers along Patong Road on 12 September 2026, according to reports cited by The Thaiger.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 9pm. The driver had picked up four men from a hotel in Patong. Phuket Times reported that she described them as Arab. During the journey, the passengers offered her a sweet, which she declined, and invited her to an entertainment venue on Bangla Road. She declined that invitation as well.

The driver later pulled over because she felt dizzy, weak and unable to breathe. She said she felt as though the group had sprayed something at her shortly before her symptoms began and suspected they had tried to drug her.

Tuk tuk drivers and other witnesses reportedly helped her and took her to hospital. MGR Online reported that the four passengers initially appeared to assist her but left during the confusion.

Witnesses suspected the passengers may have intended to steal the gold necklace she was wearing. Police had not confirmed that account, and the substance involved had not been identified.