PHUKET, THAILAND – A foreign TikTok user triggered an online debate in Phuket after posting a video on how to avoid police checkpoints, accusing officers of being driven mainly by money and offering controversial “survival tips” for motorcycle riders.
Video from foreign TikToker under fire
Local outlet Phuket Times published the clip on 23 February, showing the man giving detailed advice on riding a motorcycle on the island and dealing with the traffic police. Many social media users criticized him, saying he appeared to be deliberately trying to evade checkpoints and was portraying tourists on Phuket in a negative light.
Disputed ‘survival tips’ and safety focus
According to the Phuket Times summary, some foreign visitors were said to recommend wearing green delivery-driver jackets, avoiding certain shops and suggesting that intoxicating substances were easy to obtain if enough money was available. In the video that was actually shared, however, the TikToker mainly offered riding safety advice, explained how to operate the engine and steering, and talked about police checks without explicitly mentioning green jackets, 7‑Eleven products or drugs.
Advice on dodging checkpoints and criticism of police
The man said that motorcycle traffic checks usually took place between 11:00 and 13:00 and between 23:00 and 01:00, and advised riders to turn around immediately or use a shortcut when they spotted a checkpoint. In one sequence showing Thai traffic police at a control point, he commented dismissively:
“They will really punish you, they love money, this Thai police loves money so much.”
said the TikTok user.
Calls to carry documents and helmets
At the same time, he urged foreign riders to always carry an international driving permit and wear a helmet to avoid problems and fines. He also claimed he could help interested people obtain an international driving permit via direct message, although the available material did not clarify whether this would be done legally or under what conditions.
Mixed reactions from Thai users
Several Thai commenters said it was inappropriate to publicly advise tourists to circumvent checks, accusing the man of insulting the police and belittling their efforts to protect road safety. Other users, by contrast, agreed with the allegation that the police were too focused on money and shared the impression that intoxicating substances could be obtained relatively easily with sufficient financial means.
Unclear origin of additional clips
It remained unclear whether the TikToker deleted any content after the criticism, as it could not be confirmed that the extra scenes mentioned in the Phuket Times Facebook post actually came from the same user. The original video ended with a scene in which the man stood next to a Thai traffic officer, hugged him and urged his followers to avoid confrontations and respect the officers.
Debate amid prior checkpoint incidents
The controversy arose at a time when several cases of foreigners ignoring checkpoints on Phuket had been reported, including five French nationals who were arrested in January of the previous year after riding through a control point, fined and then released. Media also reported that two more foreigners had driven through a checkpoint on the island in the past month, though it was still unknown whether any measures had been taken against them.