Phuket taxi driver praised after giving stranded tourists a free ride to Wat Chalong
A taxi driver in Phuket was praised online after taking three tourists from Patong to Wat Chalong for free when they said they had no money.
A Phuket taxi driver has drawn praise online after giving three tourists a free ride from Patong to Wat Chalong when they said they had no money.
The incident was shared by Facebook user Pichai Phon Chanprung, who posted a video showing the three tourists hailing his taxi at Pearl Roundabout in Patong on Monday, June 29.
According to Pichai, the men asked to go to Wat Chalong but explained that they could not pay for the trip. Instead of refusing them, the driver replied, "Okay," invited them into the taxi and took them to the temple free of charge.
The video shows the tourists thanking the driver after arriving at Wat Chalong. They shook his hand and bowed in appreciation.
Pichai later said he chose to help because he imagined what it would be like to be stranded in a foreign country.
"They’re travelling in Thailand, and we’re Thai people. We should help each other," he said. "I don’t know if they really had no money, but I wanted to help. Think about what it would be like if we were travelling abroad."
The video quickly gained attention on social media, where many users praised the driver’s generosity. Comments highlighted what viewers described as his big heart, admirable behaviour and Thai kindness.
The gesture resonated with many viewers, who said it reflected the welcoming spirit long associated with Phuket and Thailand.
