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Child Steers Car on Busy Phuket Road

A viral video shared on 9 June 2026 has shown a child, estimated to be under 10 years old, steering a passenger car on a busy public road in Phuket. The vehicle was seen moving erratically and weaving across lanes on Chaofa Road, heading towards the Central Phuket intersection, in moderate to heavy traffic. Other road users reportedly slowed and increased distance after noticing the unpredictable driving, which raised immediate safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians in the area.

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The clip, circulated by a local news pages in Phuket, initially led viewers to believe the driver may have been intoxicated or inexperienced due to the vehicle’s unstable movement. However, closer observation revealed that the person behind the wheel was a young boy, seated on the lap of a foreign adult. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing significant attention and debate.

The video triggered widespread criticism online, with many users questioning the responsibility of the child’s guardians for allowing him to operate a vehicle on a public highway. Commenters also called for accountability from authorities, repeatedly asking where the police were at the time of the incident. Some social media users compared the situation to other countries where such behaviour could result in immediate legal consequences for guardians.

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Picture courtesy of Amarin

Concerns were also raised about road safety on one of Phuket’s main routes, which typically experiences high traffic volumes throughout the day. Observers noted that the risk extended beyond the individuals in the vehicle, potentially endangering other road users if an accident had occurred. The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and closer monitoring of unsafe driving practices, particularly involving minors.

Amarin reported that as of the time of reporting, there has been no confirmed statement from local authorities regarding any investigation or legal action linked to the video. Public attention continues to focus on whether police will examine the circumstances and determine whether any offences were committed by the driver or guardians involved. The situation remains under public scrutiny as online discussions persist.

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image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 12 June 2026

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Scouse123 Ruby Member

Scouse123

Advanced Member
6 hours ago, Old Croc said:

I wonder how many commenting here are aware of the condition of parts of Chaofah West Rd, the volume of it's traffic, or the idiocy of many of the motorists and riders using it. Many die in accidents there.

Sure, we all steered the family car as kids, or allowed our kids to do so, but not on this mad highway.

No mate,

We didn't all do this.

I was never introduced to driving like this, and I in turn, never allowed my kids to steer whilst sat on my knee.

still kicking Star Member

still kicking

Advanced Member
8 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

Give it a rest you silly clown with the Brit bashing and attacks on our country.

I suppose everything is perfect in yours?

Because if you are in Australia or the US, it certainly isn't all milk and honey there either.

I am sure he is not Australian. Pauline Handson would have kicked him out

Celsius Diamond Member

Celsius

Members

Oh Brit again. Are we sure it's his child

jacko45k Star Member

jacko45k

Advanced Member
15 hours ago, loong said:

I was thinking much the same. A kid sitting on the parent's lap and steering a car is nowhere near as dangerous as 8 year-olds riding motorbikes with no adult supervision at all.

Sure, next he can progress to driving a 6 wheel truck from daddy's lap!

I am amazed the human race survives sometimes.

Front Row Silver Member

Front Row

Advanced Member

The vehicle was seen moving erratically and weaving across lanes on Chaofa Road,”

So many here drive here, how should I say this, in an unpredictable manner. I am surprised that anyone noticed.

Old Croc Star Member

Old Croc

Advanced Member
10 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

No mate,

We didn't all do this.

I was never introduced to driving like this, and I in turn, never allowed my kids to steer whilst sat on my knee.

My apologies Mate for my indiscriminate use of the word "all".

Of course, I shouldn't speak for the entire world population nor particularly for your good self. If it helps, I can assure you I did not have you in mind when I crossed the line of all-inclusiveness.

In future I will endeavor to be more specific and avoid generalisations that inadvertently include paragons of virtue who would never do these types of dangerous or illegal acts.

ChipButty Star Member

ChipButty

Advanced Member

A couple of years ago we saw something similar, coming up the road out of Rawai, the car infront was all over the place, we knew who the car belong to by the sticker in the back window, as we got along side to overtake this kid was driving, we called the owner who was a friend who had the car rent company, They were Russians,

SAFETY FIRST Star Member

SAFETY FIRST

Advanced Member
On 6/12/2026 at 7:06 AM, Georgealbert said:

video shared on 9 June 2026 has shown a child, estimated to be under 10 years old, steering a passenger car on a busy public road in Phuket

I work in Saudi Arabia for a few years

It's common to see children (pre teens) driving cars.

Mum sat in the back with younger siblings.

Crazy, dangerous place

capeman Newbie

capeman

Member

In a field, yeah OK but public road you must be some kind of!!!

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