Phuket – A Norwegian tourist hoping to enjoy a vacation in Thailand ended up being assaulted by an online taxi driver in Phuket, leaving him badly injured.
The incident occurred on December 30, 2024. As a result of the attack, the Norwegian tourist sustained serious injuries, reigniting concerns over similar incidents that frequently occur in the area.
According to Thaiger on Friday (January 3, 2024), the Norwegian tourist, Egil Christian Andersen, immediately reported the incident to the Karon Police Station. He told authorities that the altercation began over a disagreement about the destination.
The trouble started at 5:05 AM local time when Andersen booked a ride to his hotel near Petak Soi 1 in Phuket, just 1 kilometer from his pickup point. However, the driver asked if Andersen was heading to Phuket International Airport.
Confused by the question, Andersen decided to exit the vehicle. That was when the driver assaulted him.
“The driver took an item and hit me several times,” Andersen said.
As a result, Andersen suffered injuries and bruises on his left temple, ear, face, and arm, requiring medical attention. Fortunately, a CCTV camera in the area captured the incident and can be used as evidence.
“I’ve been a taxi driver in Norway for over 30 years. Such behavior could result in a lifetime driving ban in my country,” he explained.
Despite the assault and trauma, Andersen praised Phuket’s natural beauty. He also expressed confidence that the local police would thoroughly investigate the case. Authorities have already started an investigation to identify the driver.
A similar incident occurred previously when a Russian tourist in Pattaya was assaulted by an online motorcycle taxi driver after asking the driver to slow down because he was driving too fast.
