How Australian tourists can cash in on their next trip to Thailand – but you might make some enemies in the process
- Tourists and locals in Bangkok are being encouraged to report road rule breakers
- Any any tip that leads to an arrest gets the tipster 50 per cent of the fine money
- The transport minister said it’s about making money for the government
Tourists in Bangkok can now report bus and taxi drivers for breaking road rules and get half the money the driver is fined as a reward.
The new rules are being introduced on Monday as a way for locals and tourists to hold all commercial and private drivers accountable.
Any tip that leads to an arrest will score the whistleblower 50 per cent of the fine – ranging from 200 Thai Baht (AU$9) to 25,000 (AU$1,200), according to Coconuts.
Locals and tourists in Bangkok are being encouraged to report road rule breakers (stock image)
Bangkok transport minister Saksayam Chidchob said the new scheme isn’t a way for the government to make extra money.
‘The program aims to foster traffic discipline as well as to encourage public transportation services to abide by laws and regulations,’ he said.
‘Public vehicles, in this case, includes taxis, buses and even motor taxis.’
Reports need to be accompanied by photographic or video evidence and submitted to the Land Transport Department’s website or Facebook page.
Tipsters can also call a hotline.
Bangkok transport minister Saksayam Chidchob said the new scheme isn’t a way for the government to make extra money (stock image)
This isn’t the first time Bangkok has introduced a bounty program to address issues in the city.
Royal Thai Police introduced a reward of 3,000 Thai Baht (AU$145) for reporting speeding motorists.
In 2017 Bangkok residents were encouraged to report illegal vendors and people who litter for a cash reward.