PHUKET, THAILAND – A viral video showing foreign holidaymakers performing dangerous motorbike stunts in Patong triggered a wave of criticism and demands for tougher action by the authorities.
Short clip from busy Patong main road
On 25 January 2026, the Facebook page of the Phuket Times published a roughly 16‑second clip recorded on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district. The footage showed foreign tourists riding motorbikes recklessly, honking loudly and repeatedly, and lifting the front wheel off the road surface as a show, with no apparent regard for traffic safety.
Risk to road users and residents
According to the description, the behaviour caused significant unrest on the street. The clip depicted a situation in which other road users, local residents and nearby holidaymakers were put in danger.
The page accompanied the video with the caption:
“Chaos without end! A group of racing tourists doing wheelies and causing loud disturbances.”
said Phuket Times, Facebook page.
Online outrage and calls for punishment
After publication, the clip spread rapidly and was widely discussed on social media. Many users sharply condemned the tourists’ conduct and urged authorities to identify and arrest those involved.
Numerous commenters demanded that the offenders be punished under existing law to deter potential copycats.
Fears of recurring incidents
Several users noted that similar incidents occurred every year and described such behaviour as a threat to public safety, especially on the roads. Others called for concrete and swift action against these stunts and warned that local residents’ patience with reckless tourists was reaching its limits.
Expectations for stricter enforcement
In the comments, different expectations were directed at responsible institutions, including consistent penalties for dangerous manoeuvres, increased monitoring of heavily used roads in tourist areas, and clear signals that violations of traffic rules would not be tolerated. Specific measures by local authorities were initially unknown, but public pressure for decisive action had clearly intensified.