Caught on cam, shared without consent – Thai driver sparks outrage over foreign tourists’ privacy violation. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai social media sphere erupted in outrage this week after a video surfaced showing a foreign couple displaying affection inside a private car. The clip, filmed and posted online by the driver, has ignited widespread debate about passenger privacy, consent, and the legal limits of in-vehicle surveillance in Thailand’s ride-hailing and taxi industry. The video, captioned by the driver as “Can’t even focus on driving like this,” clearly shows the faces of the passengers and was widely shared across platforms. Netizens quickly criticized both the act of filming and the decision to upload the video, calling it a serious breach of privacy. While some viewers disapproved of the couple’s behavior inside a public vehicle, the overwhelming response condemned the driver for exposing passengers without consent. Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which came into force in 2022, stipulates that collecting and sharing personal data—including identifiable video footage—without consent may result in up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. Civil lawsuits can also be filed up to ten years from the incident if the victims suffer emotional or reputational damage. Legal experts and commentators point out that such acts could also fall under Thailand’s criminal defamation laws. Section 328 of the Thai Criminal Code defines defamation through public dissemination—including images—as a punishable offense, with possible imprisonment of up to two years and fines up to 200,000 baht. This incident has stirred serious concerns among both Thais and foreigners about the safety and integrity of ride-hailing services. Many cars used in apps like Bolt, Grab, and others are not officially registered taxis but rather private vehicles operating under digital platforms. This distinction matters because it adds complexity to enforcement and passenger expectations. In online forums and comment sections, many Thai users weighed in with their own experiences. Some defended the installation of cameras for safety purposes, especially to resolve disputes, prevent theft, or document criminal acts. However, the overwhelming consensus was clear: using those recordings for online exposure without permission is unacceptable and potentially illegal. One user commented, “I have a dashcam too, just in case something goes wrong. But uploading a video for likes and views? That’s not safety—that’s exploitation.” Another pointed out, “This isn’t a hotel room, it’s a ride. But it’s still not okay to film and upload people without their knowledge. There are laws for that.” Others criticized the modern obsession with viral content. “People these days are addicted to content. They’ll post anything for views, even if it violates someone’s dignity or privacy.” Still others blamed both sides, noting the inappropriate behavior of the couple but reinforcing that the driver had no right to post the footage publicly. The public reaction has also highlighted deeper frustrations with the ethics of the modern ride-hailing industry. “Taxi drivers used to help carry bags, adjust the AC. Now some just look for content or ways to shame passengers,” one user lamented. Several users noted that the vehicle in question appeared to be a private car, possibly working with a ride-hailing app like Bolt, and not a licensed metered taxi. This distinction has led to broader criticism of the app-based transport system, which is sometimes seen as lacking regulation and accountability compared to traditional taxis. This controversy also reinforces why some international tourists have reported mistrust or anxiety about using taxis or ride-hailing services in Thailand. Public morality, privacy norms, and digital behavior are colliding in uncomfortable ways. While dashcams can be powerful tools for safety and truth in disputes, their misuse poses serious threats to personal privacy. As Thailand continues to welcome millions of visitors to destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, it’s crucial that both drivers and platforms respect ethical and legal standards in digital conduct.