A Japanese man has called for justice after alleging that a Bolt driver in Bangkok forced him out of a vehicle before physically assaulting him during a dispute over a fare.
The incident, which reportedly took place on May 28 near the busy Asok area, gained widespread attention after the passenger shared details and photographs of his injuries on social media. His account was later translated and circulated by popular Thai Facebook page Jmoi V+.
According to the passenger, he had booked a ride through the Bolt app from his residence to his workplace. However, upon reaching Asok Intersection, the driver allegedly informed him that he would not continue the journey and ordered him to leave the vehicle.
The passenger claimed he asked why the trip could not continue. The driver allegedly replied that the fare was too low for the distance involved and was not worth completing.
The Japanese man reportedly responded that fare-related concerns should be directed at Bolt rather than customers, arguing that the driver had already accepted the booking before arriving to pick him up.
Passenger Claims Driver Became Aggressive
According to the passenger’s account, the driver became increasingly upset after the exchange and again demanded that he leave the vehicle.
The driver allegedly stopped the car and the passenger exited. However, the confrontation reportedly escalated further after both men were outside the vehicle.
The Japanese man claimed the driver then punched him, striking him on the back of the head and causing an injury. Photographs shared online appeared to show a wound sustained during the alleged attack.
Nearby motorcycle taxi riders reportedly stepped in and intervened before the situation worsened.
The passenger also said his flip-flops were damaged during the incident. A nearby massage shop employee later provided him with a replacement pair of sandals free of charge.
Driver Left Before Police Arrived
The Japanese national stated that he contacted the police following the incident. However, the driver had reportedly left the area before officers arrived.
Despite the ordeal, the passenger expressed gratitude towards the Thai citizens who came to his assistance during and after the incident.
His account quickly attracted public attention across Thailand, prompting government officials to take notice.
Thai Authorities To Question Bolt
Thailand’s Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Supamas Isarabhakdi, confirmed that representatives from Bolt would be summoned for discussions on June 5.
Authorities are expected to seek clarification regarding the company’s driver screening processes, disciplinary measures and responsibilities towards affected passengers.
The minister also thanked members of the public who assisted the Japanese man, noting that their actions reflected positively on Thailand despite the negative incident.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Bolt in Thailand. The Department of Land Transport is reportedly reviewing whether the ride-hailing platform’s operating licence should be renewed following several recent controversies involving its drivers.
One recent case involved a schoolgirl who allegedly jumped from a moving Bolt motorcycle after claiming the rider ignored her requests to stop and continued travelling in a different direction.
As of publication, Thai authorities have not announced any final decision regarding Bolt’s licence renewal status.