Taxi driver tells stories about a fight with an American
The sister of the American, who was stabbed to death by a taxi driver last weekend, fears that his in-laws will be plunged into financial ruin. "The driver not only killed my brother, but also completely destroyed a Thai family."
Troy Lee Pilkington (51), his Thai wife and her son, two sisters and three children all lived in a house paid for by Pilkington's employer. In addition, he sent money to his parents-in-law every month and paid the school fees of the children, who attend a private school. One of them was going to train as a nurse.
The sister, Tracy Pilkington-Shaffer, does not believe the driver's statement. Pilkington allegedly argued over 51 baht and threw a coffee cup. However, Tracy points out that blood stains were found on the driver's shirt, but no coffee stains. Besides, Troy never drank coffee at night.
She considers it very unlikely that he had gotten out of the taxi without paying. 'My brother knows Bangkok well. He knows that taxi drivers don't earn much. He would never take a free ride or throw anything at anyone.'
Pilkington's wife doesn't believe the driver's version either. “My husband was generous and kind. He had some money with him. Maybe he was dropped off by the driver and that's why he got out of the taxi to take the subway.'
Pilkington was cremated on Thursday. His ashes will go to his hometown in Idaho and will be laid to rest next to his father, who is buried in Alaska. Chip, as his nickname was, often went fishing there. "He would like to be there," says his sister.
(Source: bangkok mail, July 14, 2013)
See further: https://www.thailandblog.nl/nieuws/buitenlander-doodgestoken-bangkok-ruzie-taxichauffeur/
https://www.thailandblog.nl/nieuws/ruzie-51-baht-leidde-tot-dood-amerikaan/
I can imagine that the American got angry because I have often been scammed by that *...*. But yes, what is it about and then pay to avoid problems, because taxi drivers are very resentful and often aggressive and use the Yaba, and in the Netherlands the XTC to stay awake as I have experienced. Unfortunately, the most important witness is no longer there, and it is to be hoped that justice will prevail and an example will be set. Sad for his Thai family who are mainly the victims of this. But the pressure from the American embassy will ensure that he receives a long prison sentence or the death penalty.
I never have problems with a taxi driver in Bangkok, maybe I speak a word of Thai. If they don't turn on the meter then I just stop the next taxi. For the rest, most drivers are friendly and you can't complain about the price of taxis in Bangkok. This man hit the wrong person. Normally no problem at all with the drivers, they shout "tip, tip" then you ask for all the baht back but normally you give these people a tip, they don't earn much those hard workers who spend all day in that horrible traffic of Bangkok. Horrible what happened to this man, just hit some crazy could have happened anywhere.
I can confirm your story. Never had a problem in Bangkok But also not anywhere else in Thailand with Taxi Drivers. Have often heard great prices from tuk tuk Drivers before the ride started. So, just don't get in, say thank you and take a taxi. You sit nice and cool and you are not so recklessly drawn everywhere.
I have had arguments with taxi drivers a number of times. But usually not during the ride, but before. Refusing to turn on the meter or not wanting to take you to your destination because they would have difficulty getting a ride back with passengers. I had this a few times when I had a hotel just outside the center. Then, out of desperation, I had to take a motorcycle taxi several times to get to my hotel in the evening. But in general, 9 times out of 10 in Bangkok things went well.
Of course you never take taxis that are waiting in front of your hotel, they are waiting there for a reason. A rich tourist in a nice hotel doesn't mind driving without a meter, they think. Of course you walk to the street and a taxi stops there, taxis waiting in front of a hotel thank you for their service. Don't go into negotiations, just close the door. By law, a driver must turn on the meter.