A foreign ride-hailing driver was allegedly assaulted late on May 19, 2025, by a group of local taxi operators in Pai, a popular tourist town in Mae Hong Son province, raising concerns over tourist safety and the region’s image.
At approximately 10:10 PM, Teerachai Boonmapiang, a Grab driver from Ayutthaya, filed a police report at Pai Police Station. He stated that he had been attacked while transporting two female Israeli tourists from Chiang Mai to an event at Pai Moonbeach. According to his account, the assault occurred after he parked across from the venue, where several local drivers confronted him, referencing a prior agreement not to pick up passengers in the area. The situation escalated when one individual allegedly opened his vehicle door and another punched him multiple times.
During the altercation, the tourists reportedly fled the scene in panic. As Teerachai attempted to drive away, another individual struck his vehicle, causing visible damage. Authorities took the driver to Pai Hospital for medical evaluation and began gathering evidence to identify and prosecute the attackers.
Earlier the same day, Teerachai had visited the Pai police chief and tourist police to report his intended travel route and to clarify his activities. Around 10:00 AM, he encountered local taxi drivers near the Pai Walking Street who allegedly warned him against bringing tourists into the area. A verbal confrontation followed, prompting police to mediate an informal agreement restricting Grab drivers from operating within specific zones.
Many of Pai’s local drivers operate modified pickup trucks, which are not legally authorized for commercial passenger transport and often lack required insurance. Provincial transport authorities have previously met with drivers to urge compliance with safety regulations, but enforcement has reportedly been inconsistent.
The incident has raised concerns about the lack of regulatory oversight and the potential harm to Pai’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. Local officials, including investigators and tourist police, were involved in addressing the situation. Both tourists, one of whom is a former military officer, expressed distress and urged their driver to flee the area immediately following the confrontation.
