A heated dispute between a mobile app motorcycle taxi rider and two Russian female tourists in Pattaya has gone viral on social media after the rider posted a video angrily confronting the passengers for allegedly refusing to pay the full agreed fare.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 25th, 2026, was initially shared by the Facebook page “Social Hunter 2022.” In the clip, a man believed to be the rider is heard using strong, profane language in Thai while filming two foreign women, presumed to be Russian, outside a hotel. The post’s caption questioned whether it was fair for a rider to charge for two passengers when the app showed a low fare, stating: “Pattaya rider takes two foreign passengers but charges for both, is this acceptable? #Pattaya.”
The video sparked divided reactions online. Some criticized the rider for his inappropriate and aggressive language toward customers, while others defended him, pointing to what they described as common issues with certain Russian tourists shortchanging or refusing to pay properly. Fellow delivery and ride-hailing riders commented that such behavior from Russian visitors is allegedly a frequent complaint in the area.
On January 27th, 2026, reporters visited the South Pattaya area and spoke with the rider involved. He identified himself as Mr. Apisit PhakawatmAnop, 24, nicknamed “Got.”
Mr. Apisit explained to The Pattaya News that the incident took place between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on January 25th. After completing a drop-off near Walking Street in South Pattaya, he accepted a new ride request via the app to deliver passengers to Soi Phratamnak 6.
Upon arrival, he found two Russian women waiting. Using a translation app to communicate, he informed them that the fare would be charged for two people due to there being two passengers. According to Mr. Apisit, they agreed verbally before getting on the motorcycle, one riding pillion, and he proceeded to the destination.
Upon arrival at the hotel, the app displayed a fare of 31 baht (which he said would double to 62 baht for two passengers). He requested 60 baht total for convenience. However, one of the women handed him only 40 baht. When he asked for the remaining 20 baht using the translation app, she reportedly refused, stating something along the lines of “Even a car ride isn’t this expensive, this is just a motorcycle,” before walking away.
This led to an argument. Mr. Apisit began recording the encounter, at which point the women appeared ready to pay more, but he admitted he was already furious and unleashed verbal abuse as seen in the clip. He ultimately did not collect any additional payment from them.
Mr. Apisit acknowledged that his English is limited and that he relies on translation apps to communicate with foreign passengers. He insisted he clearly explained and received agreement on the two-person fare before they boarded. He expressed regret over losing his temper but asked netizens not to criticize him too harshly, stating that the passengers had reneged on the prior agreement.
