Phuket taxi driver refunds B2,700 to Australian tourist after overcharging case

A Phuket taxi driver refunded B2,700 to a 26-year-old Australian tourist after reportedly charging him B3,500 for a journey from Phuket International Airport to Soi Ta Aied in Chalong.

The tourist, who was visiting Phuket for the first time, reportedly accepted the fare after the driver said his taxi was the last available at the airport. Local people and other tourists later told him the charge was substantially higher than expected for the roughly 40-kilometre journey.

The Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office summoned the driver on 14 September. At the meeting, the driver apologised and said the correct fare was B800, returning the B2,700 difference to the tourist. The tourist accepted the apology and reportedly agreed to withdraw the legal proceedings.

The outcome drew criticism from Thai residents, who questioned whether returning the money should be enough to resolve the case. Some said the driver’s conduct should still result in legal punishment, while others argued he might have kept the money if the case had not received widespread attention on social media.

As of 14 September, the Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office had not confirmed whether the driver would face any further legal punishment.