PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 45-year-old moto-taxi driver was arrested in Pattaya after a viral video showed him riding in a highly dangerous manner under suspected drug influence.
Social media video triggers police operation
A video that had circulated on social networks since 30 December 2025 prompted the operation and sparked broad criticism of traffic safety in the city. Footage recorded by a resident showed a man wearing a moto-taxi vest with the number 13 riding in a visibly erratic way on Pattaya Third Road. Investigators used the clearly visible vest and other details in the clip to identify the driver.
Suspect located and arrested in Naklua
On 6 January 2026, officers detained the suspect, Thatchathrit Junsamut (45), near the Long Bridge in Naklua at around 11:00 a.m. The action was led by Police Lieutenant Wutthiphong Kasa. During a search of the man, officers seized about 0.44 grams of crystal methamphetamine, locally known as “ya ice”.
Positive drug test and admission of use
A subsequent urine test confirmed the consumption of illegal substances. According to police, Thatchathrit admitted he had bought the drugs for his own use. He was taken into custody for further questioning and the ensuing criminal proceedings.
Dangerous riding captured in viral clip
In the viral video, the driver was seen repeatedly behaving erratically while on the move. He was flailing his arms, tossing his hair wildly several times and at points taking both hands off the handlebars while the motorcycle continued forward. Police believed he was under the influence of methamphetamine, which was likely to have caused hallucinations and severely impaired judgment.
Potential harm to others narrowly avoided
At the time of the recording, no passengers were on the motorcycle. According to officers, this may have prevented serious injuries or worse to others. Social media users voiced strong concerns about the risk to bystanders in traffic.
Police underline zero-tolerance approach
The incident ignited an intense online debate about the safety of moto-taxis in the coastal city. Police stressed that such cases would be pursued consistently.
“The video allowed us to identify the driver quickly and take action.”
said investigators, according to police accounts after the arrest.
Broader questions over social media and safety
Commentary around the case also questioned the role of social networks in public safety. Observers asked what might have happened if a child, a tourist or another motorcyclist had been in the rider’s path. They also raised concerns over how much risk a city is willing to tolerate before acting, and whether platforms now serve as an early-warning system for danger or merely as a place where people look only when it is almost too late.