Thai cops have launched a manhunt for a British tourist who was caught on camera slapping a terrified taxi driver and shouting ‘give me my f****** money’ after a row over the fare.
The 31-year-old Briton reportedly flagged down cabbie Abdullah Saesaheh to take him to the Woraburi Phuket Resort and Spa on the island of Phuket on April 27.
However, when they arrived at the hotel, the passenger allegedly handed Abdullah a 100 baht (£2.15) banknote, mistaking it for a 1,000 baht (£21.51) bill to pay for the fare, which came to 400 baht (£8.60).
When Abdullah tried to collect the correct amount, the Briton reportedly assaulted him. Shocking dashcam footage shows the tourist, holding a beer bottle in his left hand, strangling Abdullah while repeatedly saying: ‘Give me my f****** money’.
The frightened Thai driver broke free from his grasp and said: ‘You paid 100 baht.’ However, the passenger insisted: ‘No I f****** didn’t. I know on my mum’s life I f****** didn’t. Give me my money. Show me what I paid you with.’
The 31-year-old Briton (pictured as he allegedly assaulted the taxi driver) reportedly flagged down cabbie Abdullah Saesaheh to take him to the Woraburi Phuket Resort and Spa on the island of Phuket on April 27
When Abdullah tried to collect the correct amount, the Briton reportedly assaulted him. Shocking dashcam footage shows the tourist, holding a beer bottle in his left hand, strangling Abdullah while repeatedly saying: ‘Give me my f****** money’
The frightened Thai native broke free from his grasp and said: ‘You paid 100 baht.’ However, the passenger insisted: ‘No I f****** didn’t. I know on my mum’s life I f****** didn’t. Give me my money. Show me what I paid you with’
When Abdullah refused, the man then slapped him across the face. As he leaned on the driver’s seat door, he said: ‘You’re lucky you’ve got a little slap. You’re a f****** f***.’
Following the incident, the taxi driver lodged a report with the Karon Police Station and went to the Patong Hospital to have his injury checked.
Police Major Ekkasit Kwanwan of the Karon Police said: ‘From the investigation, we learned that the British man has fled to Krabi province. The station superintendent has ordered his immediate arrest so he can be prosecuted as soon as possible.’
Abdullah said he was traumatised by the alleged attack. He said: ‘I am afraid to pick up tourists in case they beat me. This man was bigger and stronger than me. I was afraid he could harm me.
‘The entire time I have worked as a taxi driver I have always been honest with tourists. I have never cheated them. This was a mistake and he became so angry.’
Abdullah’s father Mohammed Bang Hae said he was furious over the attack.
He said: ‘I have always taught my son to remain calm when tourists refuse to pay him properly. However, in this instance, we were bullied and taken advantage of. My son was assaulted.
‘We have filed a report at the Karon Police Station, and the police managed to track the passenger down at the hotel, but he still refused to go because he said he was afraid.
‘The matter is still unresolved. Until now, no legal action has been taken. I hope the authorities act quickly so this man can be brought to justice.’