A shocking incident unfolded in Udon Thani, Thailand, when a woman allegedly tried to settle her 40 baht (approximately S$1.60) ride-hailing fare by offering sexual services to the driver.
According to local media reports, the episode occurred at around 7.30pm on 26 June. The 23-year-old driver, identified as Mr Narawit, claimed that upon reaching the destination—a dormitory—the woman told him she had no money and proposed sex in lieu of payment.
When he refused, she entered the dormitory and ignored his calls to come out. Later, she messaged him through the ride-hailing app, allegedly inviting him to join her in her room.
Driver Declines and Threatens to Contact Police
Feeling uncomfortable, Mr Narawit rejected the woman’s advances and warned that he would alert the police if she continued to avoid paying. Moments later, a man emerged from the dormitory unit, apologised on behalf of the woman, and transferred the outstanding fare.
The driver recounted to police that this was not the first problematic encounter with the same woman. He revealed it was actually the third time she had booked a ride with him—and on both earlier occasions, she had also delayed payment. However, this incident marked the first time she had allegedly offered sex instead of cash.
Woman Claims She Only Wanted Company
Thai police soon arrived at the scene and interviewed 29-year-old Mr Day, the man who paid the fare. He clarified that while he had seen the woman in the neighbourhood before, he did not know her personally and only decided to pay out of sympathy.
When questioned, the woman—identified as 23-year-old Ms A—insisted she had merely invited the driver into her room for a chat. She denied offering sex or asking him to take drugs. She claimed she had approached Mr Day for help with payment once her bank transfer was confirmed.
Concerns Over Mental Health and History of Drug Use
Authorities also spoke with Ms A’s grandmother, who disclosed that Ms A had a history of mental health struggles and drug use. She explained that Ms A had previously been hospitalised for psychiatric treatment but had shown little improvement.
The grandmother revealed Ms A had spent the entire day requesting money from various people before booking the ride. Despite repeated warnings from her family not to go out without sufficient funds, Ms A continued this behaviour.
Police advised the family to send Ms A for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at a hospital to ensure her safety and well-being.