A peculiar incident in Pattaya has sparked widespread discussion online after a foreign tourist tried to settle his cab fare with a bag of cannabis. The stunt did not amuse the driver—who promptly called the police.
Cab Fare From Bangkok to Pattaya Ends in Chaos
According to Thai media reports, the bizarre encounter occurred in the early hours of 15 July 2025. A 54-year-old Thai taxi driver, Mr Parasut, picked up a tourist from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The foreign passenger, later identified as a 42-year-old man from Northern Ireland, requested to be driven to Pattaya—a roughly two-hour journey that usually costs around 1,500 to 2,000 baht (approximately S$60 to S$80).
Upon arriving in Pattaya’s Bang Lamung district, the tourist admitted he was unable to pay the full fare. In a shocking twist, he allegedly offered the driver a packet of marijuana as “payment.”
Driver Furious, Calls Police Immediately
Offended by the gesture and feeling disrespected, the cab driver rejected the offer and contacted the Bang Lamung police. Officers arrived quickly and questioned the tourist, who reportedly showed signs of confusion but was cooperative.
Cannabis is legal in Thailand for personal use in limited quantities, but offering it in lieu of a fare crosses into murky legal and social territory. Police took both the tourist and the cannabis in for further investigation.
The taxi driver later told reporters he felt insulted and could not believe a visitor would offer drugs instead of showing basic courtesy. “We drive long hours to earn a living. This is not how we should be treated,” he said.
Netizens Outraged Over Tourist’s Behaviour
Reactions on Thai social media were swift, with many netizens condemning the tourist’s behaviour. One comment read, “Just because weed is legal now doesn’t mean it’s currency!” Others questioned whether the man was under the influence during the ride.
Several users also called for stricter enforcement and education for tourists regarding local customs and expectations. Some even suggested blacklisting repeat offenders who display blatant disrespect toward service workers.
High-Risk Behaviour in Tourist Hotspots
While Thailand’s relaxed cannabis laws have attracted curious travellers, this case is a stark reminder that abusing those laws—or misunderstanding cultural norms—can land one in hot water. Authorities have repeatedly warned tourists not to use cannabis irresponsibly or outside of designated areas.
As investigations continue, it remains unclear if the tourist will face charges or be let off with a warning. Regardless, the incident has left a sour taste for many—and sparked yet another round of online debate over the limits of “weed tourism” in Thailand.