Trishaw Story

[SONG] timbaland presents onerepublic - apologize

A story in Singapore has stirred up a frenzy which involve 3 British tourists and a 67 yr old trishaw driver.

The news hit around the 1st of November when the 1 of the British tourist posted the video of 'the slowest taxi in SE Asia' on youtube.

Since then, Mr. Davis (the one who posted the video) has replied with an apology. However, the apology seems to have stirred up more of a frenzy with netizens. Mr. Davis was quoted "Looking back, I think we were insensitive. But bullies, no." There was no apology made directly to Mr. Lee, the 67 year old trishaw driver, which is why netizens are furious.

To read up more visit these links: Read the comments to see how people around the world feel!

The guardian
Trishaw uncle unaware of insults - The New Paper
Tourist bullies incur Net wrath - The New Paper
UK PAPER CARRIES REPORT - The New Paper
The Daily mail UK
Asia One
A Bloggers Views

These blogs, websites and forums are just a few of what you can find off google. People of Singapore and the world want a answer for their actions and they demand that they apologize with sincerity.

From my point of view, these tourists are a sad case. Having to ride 3 full grown men on a trishaw and not get paid is just unethical. He's 67 yrs of age and the 3 men just took advantage. The uncle asked for S$10.00 for their ride. What's 10 bucks converted back to pounds? It's really nothing for these guys. But did they think what 10 dollars is for this trishaw uncle? Probably not!

let's do the math: 10 bucks in singapore can get him at least 3 meals or 10 packs of coffee.

These tourists have no respect for the elderly. They exhibited this by posting a video of how shameful they can be. Posting this video for the world shows that they have no sense of compassion. The way they treated him, laughing and swearing, showed the world that there are still people out there that have no respect for others. It's saddening to hear that their are people walking the streets with a mentality that they are above all.

Did Mr Davis and company think that no one would view their video on youtube?
Did they think that it was a laughing joke?
Could this have been an act of racial discrimination?
Was it really that funny?


To think that someone would take a 67 yr old guy as a joke when he is just trying to earn an honest living is just pathetic. Though many trishaw owners are rude, cheaters and inconsiderate, they don't deserve to be made fun of publicly. Have you wondered why they react they do when no one takes their trishaw? It's probably because of the cheap and fast alternatives they can get with taxis and public transportation. We can't blame them. They are around because the trishaw acts as a tourist attraction for Singapore. Removing them will only take away a piece of Singapore's history.

The way citizens and netizens have come together to share their thoughts and inputs on the situation have really made me think, 'wow, their are still people willing to gather up and fight for what's right!' It's amazing that a story that stirred up Singaporeans have reached the masses almost instantly. This is the power of the internet and free flow information. Many believe that if this wasn't a fight amongst different races that it wouldn't have stirred up such a riot. I'm sure racial matters have nothing to do with the case.

A note to Mr. Davis and friends...

i hope you've learned your lesson. You not only stirred up a frenzy in the virtual world, but you've also started a riot amongst the masses. By displaying your actions on the video then posting it to the world, has made an embarrassment to the human race. It portrays that, in our world and society, there is still such immaturity and dis-respectfulness. No matter if the acts portrayed were out of a joke, racial hate or irrational decisions, it doesn't give you the right to have posted or film such a video. It's just outright shameful! By not paying for services rendered is just unethical. Would you go to a restaurant and not pay for the food served? probably not, since you'd be labeled as criminals, such as this case here. If the tables were turned, i'm sure you'd and your friends would be furious. I really do hope that a more sincere and direct apology is made soon!

Enough venting..I'm out!

peace!