A British national has been arrested after allegedly driving recklessly around Koh Samui, alarming residents and other motorists on the island’s roads. Police in Bo Phut district tracked down, chased and stopped the vehicle shortly after videos of the incident spread widely on social media on May 21.
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The footage, shared by Facebook users on Koh Samui, showed a black SUV being driven dangerously along Thaweerat Phakdi Road, also known as the island ring road, in Bo Phut, Surat Thani province. Witnesses reported the driver weaving between lanes, overtaking closely on both sides and tailgating other vehicles in a manner described as frightening and highly dangerous.
Residents and tourists expressed concern that the driving could have caused a serious accident. The clips quickly circulated online, prompting traffic police at Bo Phut Police Station to launch an immediate search for the vehicle involved.
Police later intercepted the SUV outside a hotel in Bo Phut subdistrict. Officers identified the driver as Mr Jack, a 21-year-old British national.
During questioning, Mr Jack told police the SUV was a rental vehicle which he had hired two days earlier. Officers seized the vehicle and took the driver into custody before transferring him to investigators at Bo Phut Police Station for legal proceedings.
Authorities said he has been charged with driving without regard for the safety or inconvenience of others, plus other related offences that may follow. The rented vehicle was later returned to its owner.
The incident has renewed discussion on road safety in major tourist destinations. Dangerous driving involving visitors has previously drawn criticism from local residents concerned about road safety and enforcement standards.
Bo Phut Police Station said officers would continue monitoring reckless driving and urged both Thai and foreign motorists to obey traffic laws strictly. Police also encouraged members of the public to report dangerous driving immediately in order to help prevent accidents.
Matichon reported that investigators are continuing legal proceedings against the driver while reviewing evidence linked to the incident, including video footage shared online.
Picture courtesy of Matichon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 22 May 2026
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