Sakhu Police launched an investigation after the incident went viral on social media, with footage showing the driver hitting a female passenger at the departures area of the airport on Thursday night (Dec 18).
The driver, identified as 31-year-old Rrattawit Budwicha, registered as living in Wichit, Phuket, told police he had picked up 12 tourists from Patong and taken them to the airport for a fare of B1,200.
He claimed he became angry after seeing rubbish left inside the van and demanded the tourists clean it up, leading to an argument during which he struck the woman on the head with a plastic water bottle.
The confrontation shocked airport staff and other travellers at the scene, while Rattawit later apologised to the victim.
Sakhu Police Chief Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul, together with Pol Lt Col Rattanawut Nukaeo, Pol Lt Col Ekachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police, officials from the Phuket Provincial Transport Office and representatives from Phuket Airport, reported yesterday (Dec 19) that they had reviewed the case.
The Phuket Provincial Transport Office ruled that Rrattawit had displayed violent behaviour while on duty, posing a threat to public safety and damaging Thailand’s image. Rrattawit’s licence was confiscated and suspended for 180 days, and he was also fined for improper attire while working.
A representative from Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), which operates Phuket Airport, formally filed a complaint, and investigators at Sakhu Police Station have now charged Rattawit with assault, police confirmed.
The case will proceed to court, Sakhu Police assured.