Bus driver fired after attacking farang in Si Phum

A bus driver who was caught on camera attacking a farang passenger near the Thapae Gate in Si Phum Oct. 26 has been fired by bus operator RTC.

Describing the attack as being due to a misunderstanding of communication, naturally, RTC, to their credit fully confirmed the details of the attack on Facebook.

According to RTC, they were informed of the attack at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and  promptly called the bus driver and the bus back to their depot to make further inquiries.

At 1 p.m. the same day, RTC says that it had contacted the farang victim, an older man possibly in his late 60s, early 70s to discuss what had occurred.

RTC then issued a formal apology to the victim, noting that the victim was not impressed with being attacked by the driver. The driver, himself, was then fired.

“The company apologizes very much for the incident and welcomes any comments to improve our service,” RTC said.

While what led to the attack remains unknown beings the standard “misunderstanding,” some on Thai social media sided with the bus driver. “Many expressed sympathy for the bus driver, say that although they disagreed with the use of violence the cause of the attack should have been investigated to see who was in the wrong,” ThaiPBS reports.

The attack is yet another case of Chiang Mai transport providers out of control and attacking all and sundry with next to zero repercussions despite the fact that every attack damages the image of Chiang Mai.

Given previous Chiang Mai history, the bus driver will probably land a new job as a tourist greeter.

Photo: ThaiPBS