Hat Yai police have rejected claims that Malaysian motorcyclists were unfairly targeted, saying nine of 17 bikes in a touring group were found to have broken Thai traffic laws.
The dispute followed a viral Facebook video by a Malaysian account named "Tok Singa", which alleged that the group had received 15 tickets, totalling about 15,000 baht and called on Malaysians to boycott Hat Yai in Songkhla province.
Police say nine motorcycles breached regulations
Police Senior Sergeant Major Weerasak Phansalaeman, a Hat Yai traffic officer who appeared in the video and runs the Facebook page "Ja Wee Hat Yai", said the group was stopped after officers saw about 17 Malaysian motorcycles travelling past Hat Yai Police Station.
He said some bikes appeared to have modified rear lights that flashed, while others had excessively loud exhausts. The group was followed and stopped at the Saphan Dam intersection before being invited to Hat Yai Police Station for checks on documents, compulsory insurance, driving licences and vehicle equipment.
According to Sgt Maj Weerasak, nine motorcycles were found to have committed offences. Police issued nine tickets with total fines of 12,000 baht, rather than the 15 tickets and 15,000 baht claimed in the Facebook post.
Individual fines ranged from 1,000 to 3,000 baht, depending on the offence, he said.
Claims over delays, fines and digital licences
The Tok Singa post claimed that a single traffic officer took almost three hours to inspect the group. It also alleged that riders were threatened with detention if fines were not paid quickly, that their exhausts were factory-fitted, and that digital driving licences were not accepted.
Sgt Maj Weerasak said the viral account had distorted some facts. He maintained that officers acted politely, followed legal procedures and did not single out Malaysian visitors or otherwise harass tourists.
He said exhaust noise was measured using legally prescribed equipment. Officers checked either a factory plate showing the permitted noise level, with an allowance of plus five decibels, or used the vehicle registration year where no plate was present.
For motorcycles registered before 2024, the maximum level is 95 decibels. Those registered from 1 January 2024 onwards must not exceed 90 decibels. He said the rules were clearly explained to the visitors.
What visiting riders should check
The case is a reminder for foreign riders entering Thailand, including regular Malaysian visitors to Hat Yai, that home-country vehicle standards do not override Thai road rules. Riders should ensure their licences, insurance and vehicle equipment comply, and be aware that modified lights and exhaust noise can lead to fines.
Sgt Maj Weerasak said visitors should study and respect the traffic laws of countries they visit. While he acknowledged concerns over Hat Yai's tourism image, he said officers must uphold the law and believed the incident would not affect overall tourism, as most visitors comply with regulations.
After the fines were paid, the atmosphere was reported to be friendly. The group took photographs together, and members asked Sgt Maj Weerasak to post a video of the incident on his personal Facebook page.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
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19 August 2026
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