PHUKET, THAILAND – A foreign motorcyclist performing dangerous stunts near Nai Yang Beach in northern Phuket has been arrested by local police after footage of his reckless riding went viral. The arrest on 11 November followed a quick investigation led by officers from the Sakhu Police Station, who tracked down the suspect after several residents submitted videos through Facebook.
Viral Footage from Nai Yang Beach
A Thai witness recorded the foreign man riding a red motorcycle near Nai Yang Beach and uploaded the video to the Facebook group “แบบนี้ต้องประจาน ภูเก็ต”, where it quickly gained attention across Phuket. The video, shared multiple times on 10 November, showed the rider accelerating sharply, turning abruptly, and driving against the one-way traffic in the Nai Yang district.
“I have seen him repeatedly over the past two to three days,”
said Unnamed Thai witness, video uploader.
The same witness added in the post that the foreigner had nearly hit a local resident commuting to work. The footage also captured the rider missing a traffic sign by inches after cutting off a woman on her motorcycle.
Public Concern and Police Response
The post’s comment section filled with public outrage, with residents questioning the motorcycle rental company’s role in the situation.
“Which rental company gave him the motorcycle?”
said Unnamed Thai witness, video uploader.
Authorities from Sakhu Police Station launched a search across the northern part of Phuket and located the suspect within 24 hours.
“The man was subjected to a drug test,”
said Phuket Police spokesperson.
The officer confirmed the result was negative, ruling out drug influence during the incident.
Criminal Charges and Rental Accountability
The man’s nationality was not disclosed by the authorities. Police confirmed that a penalty will follow under Thailand’s traffic safety laws, though details of the fine or detention were still pending by 12 November.
Officers also initiated proceedings against the motorbike rental owner, citing the business’s liability for providing the vehicle used in the acts.
“He provided the vehicle for dangerous driving,”
said Phuket Police spokesperson.
Officials labeled the case as a clear instance of negligent business practice, emphasizing the operator’s legal accountability for endangering others.
Second Case Reported in Chon Buri
In a related enforcement drive, officers in Chon Buri Province detained an Icelandic man last month after videos showed him drifting a rented orange car near Bang Saen Beach and a local roundabout.
Authorities have not yet confirmed penalties in either case but reiterated their commitment to stronger action against foreigners engaging in reckless road behavior across Thailand.
– Police arrested one foreign motorcyclist on 11 November in Phuket.
– Drug test results were negative.
– The rental company owner is facing charges for negligence.
– A separate incident occurred in Chon Buri involving an Icelandic driver.
Law enforcement officials said these actions mark an increased crackdown on unsafe foreign drivers endangering residents and tourists on Thailand’s roads.