BANGKOK, THAILAND – Seventeen suspected street racers were arrested after weeks of surveillance, accused of turning a major Bangkok artery into an illegal night-time race track, with adults receiving suspended jail terms and minors sent to a protection centre.
Police operation on key Bangkok route
The suspects were stopped on the heavily used Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, a main outbound route in the Thai capital, according to Pol Lt Col Phuchong Mao-Thung of the traffic police. Officers identified 17 people, including 10 minors, as suspects and seized 14 modified motorcycles.
Weeks of surveillance and data analysis
The arrests followed a surveillance operation that lasted several weeks. Pol Lt Col Phuchong said investigators reviewed CCTV footage, photographs and vehicle registration data to track the group.
“They behaved in a way that frightened other road users and posed a clear danger to traffic.”
said Pol Lt Col Phuchong Mao-Thung, traffic police officer.
Public complaints triggered ‘Safe Vibhavadi Road’
Police launched the “Safe Vibhavadi Road” operation after residents lodged complaints about large groups of motorcyclists using the road as an illegal race track at night. Investigators found the riders routinely gathered at the entrance of Vibhavadi Soi 17, then moved in convoy along the outbound lanes, swung back toward Don Mueang airport and continued to the Sutthisan intersection.
High-speed riding across all lanes
Along the entire route, the riders occupied all traffic lanes, travelled at high speed and adopted crouched racing postures, police said. Their behaviour unsettled and endangered other motorists by turning the busy road into a high-risk corridor.
Court ruling and consequences for minors
The suspects responded to police summonses and reported to the responsible station on Thursday and Friday to formally acknowledge charges of racing on public roads and dangerous driving. The Bangkok North Municipal Court on Friday sentenced the seven adult offenders to one month in jail, suspended for one year, and fined them 10,000 baht each, while ordering the confiscation of all 14 motorcycles. The 10 juveniles were transferred to the Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre for further measures.