Phuket —
Phuket police set up a checkpoint in Kamala early on January 26th when a group of foreign tourists on motorcycles evaded inspection, nearly allegedly hitting an officer before fleeing toward Patong Beach.
Local authorities launched an investigation using social media footage to identify the suspects and the rented motorcycles used in the incident.
By January 29th, Kamala police confirmed the culprits were French tourists. The group faced charges of reckless driving and disobeying police orders, with additional penalties for those lacking valid licenses.
Phuket Provincial Court sentenced one to two months in jail, suspended for a year, with a fine of 6,000 baht and the confiscation of the rental motorcycle. Three others were fined 1,500 baht each. The seized motorcycle, valued at over 400,000 baht, serves as a warning against similar offenses by foreign visitors.
Police vowed strict action, including impounding rented vehicles used in violations and coordinating with embassies to blacklist offenders.
