A foreign passenger is still at large after allegedly attacking and robbing a Thai Bolt motorcycle taxi rider before fleeing with the rider’s motorcycle in Bangkok on Monday night, December 22. The incident has raised serious concerns among app-based drivers about passenger safety and security.
The victim, identified as Ekkasit Jitwijarn, shared details of the incident on the Facebook group Grab Bolt & All Application in Thailand. His post aimed to warn fellow riders and seek assistance from the online community in identifying the suspect. The post quickly gained attention, with many drivers expressing concern and sharing safety advice.
According to Ekkasit, the incident occurred at around 11.15pm near Soi Wisut Kasat, beneath the Rama 8 Bridge in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. He explained that the foreign man had booked a ride through the Bolt application from that location to Pattaya, with a fare exceeding 1,200 baht. Given the long-distance nature of the trip, Ekkasit said he was initially cautious but decided to accept the booking.
Screenshots of the ride details shared online showed that the booking was made under the name “Dzintars.” Based on the name, Ekkasit speculated that the suspect might be of Latvian nationality, although this information has not been officially confirmed by police. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or nationality as investigations continue.
Ekkasit also posted a selfie photo taken with the passenger before the journey began. He explained that he requested the photo because he was concerned the passenger might flee without paying the fare. The image later became an important piece of evidence shared online to help identify the suspect.
According to Ekkasit’s account, the situation escalated unexpectedly when the passenger allegedly attacked him at the pickup location. During the struggle, the suspect reportedly took control of the motorcycle and fled the scene, leaving the rider injured and stranded. Details about the extent of Ekkasit’s injuries were not fully disclosed, but he later confirmed that he was able to seek help and report the incident.
The case has sparked widespread discussion among Thailand’s ride-hailing community, particularly motorcycle taxi riders who often work alone and late at night. Many drivers expressed fears about accepting long-distance bookings from unfamiliar passengers, especially during late hours. Some called on ride-hailing platforms to introduce stronger identity verification and emergency support features.
Local residents and online users have also urged authorities to track down the suspect quickly, citing concerns about public safety. As of now, police have not confirmed whether the suspect has been identified or if the stolen motorcycle has been recovered.
The incident highlights ongoing safety challenges faced by gig economy workers in urban areas. Drivers are now calling for greater protection, clearer safety protocols, and closer cooperation between ride-hailing companies and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
