Icelandic Tourist’s Drifting Stunt Goes Viral
An Icelandic tourist caused a stir in Thailand’s Chon Buri province after drifting a rented Ford Raptor through roundabouts during heavy rain. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, led to the man’s arrest and now threatens him with severe penalties.
Reckless Drifting Caught on Camera
On October 7, motorists posted videos online showing the orange Ford Raptor skidding around the Bang Saen roundabout in pouring rain. A second clip, filmed in daylight with heavier traffic, captured the same vehicle performing similar maneuvers. Particularly brazen was a foreign passenger, dressed in a white T-shirt, leaning out of the window during the dangerous stunt. Another video shows the driver drifting in the middle of an intersection.
Rental Owner Expresses Disappointment
Police at Saen Suk station quickly traced the vehicle to a Thai woman who had rented it out. The owner stated that the Icelandic tourist had been a regular customer for over two years without previous incidents.
“I was disappointed when I saw the footage,” she told authorities. The tourist claimed he was not the driver, but evidence suggests otherwise.
Police Arrest Icelandic Suspect
Based on the rental owner’s information, police arrested the Icelandic suspect at his accommodation in the province. The Ford Raptor was seized. The exact penalties remain unclear, but charges under Section 43(3) of the Land Transport Act—reckless and dangerous driving—are likely. This law allows for fines between 400 and 1,000 Baht (approximately €10–25), with the final amount at the discretion of the authorities.
Drifting Tourists: A Recurring Problem
This is not an isolated incident. In September, another foreign driver was arrested in Phuket for drifting a white pickup in a parking lot. In January, a Lithuanian BMW driver in Chon Buri faced a 12,000 Baht (€300) fine for similar behavior. Thai police have shown little tolerance for such risky driving stunts.
What Awaits the Icelandic Tourist?
Beyond a possible fine, the tourist could face a driving ban in Thailand. The rental owner is also unlikely to renew his contract, despite his two-year history as a customer.
Dangerous Drifting in Chon Buri: Your Opinion
How do you view the actions of the foreign driver in Chon Buri? Are current penalties for risky driving sufficient, or should Thailand impose stricter measures against drifting stunts on public roads? Share your thoughts.