BANGKOK — A 17-year-old female student suffered injuries after jumping from a moving motorcycle taxi to escape a driver who allegedly refused to stop and behaved in a threatening manner in the Nong Khaem district early Thursday morning. Police later arrested the 22-year-old suspect, who reportedly admitted to consuming kratom tea and marijuana before picking up the passenger.
The incident occurred around 12:59 a.m. on April 23, 2026. The victim, a Grade 11 student identified only as Ms. Chutikarn, had just finished her part-time shift at a local shopping mall. She used a mobile application to book a ride from Rama 2 Road, Soi 100, intending to head home.
However, the ride quickly became a cause for alarm. According to police reports, the driver began asking personal and intrusive questions that were unrelated to the transport service. When the driver bypassed her requested destination and refused to pull over, the teenager feared for her safety.
As the motorcycle approached the entrance of Soi Phetkasem 81, the student made the split-second decision to leap from the vehicle while it was still in motion. She sustained various injuries from the fall but managed to seek help.
Police Apprehend Suspect In Samut Sakhon
Following a report filed at the Nong Khaem Police Station, investigators moved quickly to track the suspect. Pol. Maj. Gen. Samart Promchat, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 9, ordered a team to locate the rider using the digital footprint left on the ride-hailing app.
Officers arrested 22-year-old Mr. Tin Chaoklong at his residence in the Krathum Baen District of Samut Sakhon Province. During the arrest, police seized a red Honda Wave motorcycle and the clothing the suspect wore during the incident.
“The suspect admitted he was using his father’s account and identification to accept jobs on the application,” police officials stated. “He also confessed to drinking kratom tea and smoking marijuana prior to starting his shift, which he claimed caused him to be in an altered emotional state.”
Legal Consequences And Public Safety
The suspect told investigators he could not remember the victim’s destination due to his intoxication. He was taken to Ratchaphiphat Hospital for formal drug testing, with the results expected to be used as evidence in the legal proceedings.
The Nong Khaem police have filed several charges against Mr. Tin, including:
- Unlawful detention or deprivation of liberty.
- Operating a vehicle not registered for passenger transport.
- Using a private motorcycle for commercial taxi services.
This case has sparked renewed discussions regarding the safety of ride-hailing apps in Thailand and the necessity of strict background checks. Authorities are urging passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior immediately to the Royal Thai Police.
Safety Tips For Ride-Hailing Users in Bangkok
To ensure personal safety when using ride-hailing apps, experts suggest checking that the driver’s face and license plate match the information provided in the app. Users should also share their live location with a trusted friend or family member during the journey.
“If a driver deviates from the GPS route or asks inappropriate questions, try to stay calm and look for a safe opportunity to exit the vehicle in a well-lit, populated area,” a local safety advocate advised. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as police prepare the final case file for the prosecutor.
