WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from China
CABBIE SUSPENDED AFTER “SMELLS GOOD” COMPLIMENT TO PASSENGER
A Chinese taxi driver, identified only as Zhao, has been suspended for 21 days from an online ride-hailing platform after a female passenger accused him of verbal sexual harassment. The suspension follows a complaint filed on June 8, alleging that Zhao repeatedly complimented the woman on her scent, making her feel uncomfortable and unsafe. According to the passenger, Zhao allegedly told her she “smells good” and asked three times if she was wearing perfume. When she stated she had not applied any scent, he reportedly continued: “The smell from your body is so good.” The woman later clarified that the “pleasant fragrance” was from her liquid detergent, prompting the driver to inquire about the specific brand. The passenger reported revealing the detergent brand before exiting the vehicle prior to her intended destination. Hours later, she filed a formal complaint with the ride-hailing company, which subsequently reviewed voice recordings of the interaction before imposing the 21-day suspension. However, Zhao maintains his innocence, claiming his inquiries were polite and he “did not say anything wrong!” He told Zhejiang TV: “I just do not understand. If she had not replied to me, I would not have continued asking her. Defending her reaction, the woman said: “My courteous replies were interpreted as being amenable to him. I believe any passenger would feel uncomfortable if a driver made such remarks.”
from South Korea
SOUTH KOREA CABBIE TELLS THAI TOURIST TO “PAY WITH BODY”
A shocking incident involving a South Korean taxi driver and Thai tourist has ignited a public backlash across social media in both South Korea and Thailand. The tourist posted a video on June 19, documenting the driver’s use of a translation app to make
PHTM AUGUST 2025
inappropriate comments and sexual advances during her ride. The woman was en route to Seoul Station to catch a train to Busan when the driver reportedly began asking intrusive and offensive personal questions, such as: “Do you have a boyfriend?” The situation took a disturbing turn when the driver allegedly stated: “If you don’t have money for the fare, you can pay with your body.” The viral video, which captured the incident, has garnered over 660,000 likes and hundreds of comments. In her post, the tourist recounted that the driver not only made these “inappropriate comments” but also “stopped the car mid-way,” leaving her feeling unsafe. Although she was eventually dropped off at her destination, the driver allegedly persisted with his advances, offering his phone number and he even offered to drive her to Busan, once again reiterating his “inappropriate suggestion if she lacked money.” The tourist reported the incident and issued a warning to other travellers to exercise caution when using taxis in South Korea. Her post has drawn significant attention, with many demanding “strict action against the driver for his alarming behaviour.”
from Thailand
THAI CABBIE OFFERED CANNABIS AS FARE PAYMENT, FILES POLICE REPORT
A taxi driver in Pattaya, eastern Thailand, has filed a police complaint after a foreign passenger, unable to pay the agreed-upon fare from Suvarnabhumi airport, allegedly offered a bag of cannabis instead. The driver, Prachuap, 54, reported the incident to Pol Col Chanan Kesornbua. Prachuap told police he picked up a foreign passenger at the airport for a trip to a hotel in Pattaya. The fare was set at 2,000 baht, with the passenger stating his wife would pay upon arrival. However, upon reaching the hotel, his wife couldn’t pay. Prachuap informed the police that when he requested the remaining 1,050 baht: “The couple said they had no money and offered him a big packet of cannabis instead of money.” The cabbie said he refused the illicit payment and informed them he would report the incident to the police. At this point, “The couple became angry and fled inside the hotel, leaving him confused and unpaid,” prompting him to go to the police station.
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