Illegal taxi driver admits overcharging Lao passenger, refunds fare

UBON RATCHATHANI — On 11 August 2026, an illegal taxi driver was caught admitting to overcharging a Lao passenger and subsequently agreed to refund the excess fare. The driver, Sajja Sarawit, 32, was also fined 2,000 baht by the provincial transport office for using his vehicle for unauthorized service and had his private licence temporarily suspended.

The incident was uncovered when the Lao passenger shared a video of their conversation, in which the driver had initially quoted 4,500 baht for a 94-kilometre journey from Ubon Ratchathani to the Chong Mek border checkpoint. The fare was eventually reduced to 3,600 baht after negotiations. Upon being summoned to the Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, Sajja admitted to charging the 4,500 baht and informed the authorities that the final fare was 3,600 baht following a discussion with the passenger.

He apologized and deposited the refunded amount with transport officials. Sajja was advised by Pol Col Saksri Krairat, chief of the police station, to register his services properly as a taxi driver or as a ride-hailing driver.