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Russian Rider Damages Rental Motor Bike in Phuket

A video capturing a Russian motorcyclist damaging a rental bike while off-road riding in Phuket has sparked criticism online. The footage, shared by the Phuket Times on May 11, shows the man attempting and failing to climb a steep hill on a rented Yamaha NMAX. The vehicle, not meant for off-road use, sustained visible damage after falling down a slope.

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The incident occurred with several foreign riders present, and another individual was seen trying to help the motorcyclist push the bike uphill unsuccessfully. Criticism arose as the video circulated, highlighting the reckless use of rented property and the potential impacts on local businesses. Many on Thai social media viewed the actions as damaging and irresponsible.

Social media users questioned whether the rider would compensate the rental company, speculating about the potential for the bike to be abandoned. Concerns also arose due to reports that rental businesses in tourist areas may not retain tourists' passports, complicating liability issues. Calls were made for police to investigate the incident, though no official actions have been announced.

Looking Ahead, authorities may begin investigations into the event, seeking to identify the rider and address any legal ramifications. The situation also highlights a broader issue regarding tourist accountability in vehicle rentals, with possible implications for future rental policies.

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image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 11 May 2026

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Sigmund Gold Member

Sigmund

Advanced Member

Of course the Russian is a jerk. But often the bike or car rental companys are a bunch of scammers and either cheat foreign customers or rent out without proper checking of licences and road experience.

OldHand2541 Explorer Member

OldHand2541

Member

He will have to pay. A lot. This incident made Thai TV News this evening.

One more reason for Thai police, to continue hunt down bad behaving foreigners.

👍

jacko45k Star Member

jacko45k

Advanced Member
9 hours ago, OldHand2541 said:

He will have to pay. A lot. This incident made Thai TV News this evening.

One more reason for Thai police, to continue hunt down bad behaving foreigners.

👍

Since the bike is rented it is likely he signed a contract making him liable for any damage. They usually only come with he basic compulsory insurance.

gargamon Ruby Member

gargamon

Advanced Member

He's probably already out of the country. Abandoned the bike somewhere.

ChipButty Star Member

ChipButty

Advanced Member

Lots of rental bikes get abandoned at the airport on their way out,

jacko45k Star Member

jacko45k

Advanced Member
3 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Lots of rental bikes get abandoned at the airport on their way out,

I believe that is true for the islands, ferry ports too.

blaze master Diamond Member

blaze master

Advanced Member

That'll buff out no problem.

kuzmabruk Advanced Member

kuzmabruk

Member

All the rental companies need is: (1) an actual contract, plagiarize Hertz or Avis contracts, and (2) a credit card being required at time of rental.

impulse Star Member

impulse

Advanced Member

Social media users questioned whether the rider would compensate the rental company, speculating about the potential for the bike to be abandoned. Concerns also arose due to reports that rental businesses in tourist areas may not retain tourists' passports, complicating liability issues. Calls were made for police to investigate the incident, though no official actions have been announced.

The good news is that he probably rented it from another Russkie.

Hopefully, one affectionately nicknamed Ivan the BoneCrusher.

Gottfrid Star Member

Gottfrid

Advanced Member

That looks like a really experience rider. At least he didn´t have his new-found Thai bar girl with him. 🤣

Front Row Advanced Member

Front Row

Member

And to all the people complaining on social media I say “Get a life.”

stevenl Star Member

stevenl

Advanced Member
3 minutes ago, Front Row said:

And to all the people complaining on social media I say “Get a life.”

Says the guy complaining on social media.

ChipButty Star Member

ChipButty

Advanced Member
2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

I believe that is true for the islands, ferry ports too.

A good friend of ours has had a few bikes and cars left at the airport in the past, I know years ago she had tracking devises fitted,

Front Row Advanced Member

Front Row

Member
31 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Says the guy complaining on social media.

Ha! Yes. I’m acutely aware of the hypocrisy. In my defense I’m not going onto a facebook group to complain and demand the authorities investigate / arrest / deport. 😆

Korat Kiwi Gold Member

Korat Kiwi

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The guy is an absolute a-hole. I hope the vendor fines the ar*e off him.

Plonker!

Woke to Sounds Gold Member

Woke to Sounds

Advanced Member

Another Tik Tok jerk hungry for views.

Imbecile.

jcmj Gold Member

jcmj

Advanced Member

You’d think with all of this happening on a daily basis/weekly basis, that they would have very strict contracts, valid licenses, compulsory insurance and credit cards on file, but as you can see money is all that matters here and they think they can handle it if 💩 happens. Time to open your eyes up. This happens all of the time and way more than we know.

Bruce Aussie Gold Member

Bruce Aussie

Advanced Member
16 minutes ago, jcmj said:

You’d think with all of this happening on a daily basis/weekly basis, that they would have very strict contracts, valid licenses, compulsory insurance and credit cards on file, but as you can see money is all that matters here and they think they can handle it if 💩 happens. Time to open your eyes up. This happens all of the time and way more than we know.

Of course not, they tent the bikes without proper license, the police know this and don't do anything about the problem.

All rentals should only be to people who hold a valid motorcycle licenses and full insurance.

These guys are wrong taking bike off road.

I been a bike rider for 50 years and it annoys me to tourists who have little experience being given bikes easily.

The shops dcam people also with cost of damage.

ChipButty Star Member

ChipButty

Advanced Member

he doesn't look Russian to me,

SOTIRIOS Platinum Member

SOTIRIOS

Advanced Member

...All Vehicles Are Insured...Aren't They...(?)

...The Clients Pay Insurance...Don't They...(?)

...Rampant Xenophobia Some Would Say...(?)

...Intentional...Nothing...(?)

...He Took A Left Path...(?)

...It Veered Of Into The Wilderness...(?)

...Some Would Say He Was Clearly Stuck & Stymied...(?)

...He Tried To Get The Bike Turned Around...(?)

...It Slid Off The Side...(?)

...'Attempted Dirt Biking'...(?)

...Utter Insanity...And Again...With Heavy Undertones Of Racism...(?)

...And Resentment Towards Foreigners...(?)

...This Is Getting Out Of Hand...(?)

Legal Lifeline Silver Member

Legal Lifeline

Forum Sponsor
2 hours ago, Korat Kiwi said:

The guy is an absolute a-hole. I hope the vendor fines the ar*e off him.

Plonker!

Clearly his name was Ivor Smallbrain

Hardcastle P Advanced Member

Hardcastle P

Member
1 hour ago, jcmj said:

You’d think with all of this happening on a daily basis/weekly basis, that they would have very strict contracts, valid licenses, compulsory insurance and credit cards on file, but as you can see money is all that matters here and they think they can handle it if 💩 happens. Time to open your eyes up. This happens all of the time and way more than we know.

He is Russian so how dose he have a valid credit card when the world has stopped Russian using the international banking system.

BarraMarra Ruby Member

BarraMarra

Advanced Member

They are mostly bearded so my guess is there not Russian and how come he is ploughing up the side without a helmet then suddenly in the next shot he is wearing one.

cynic1 Silver Member

cynic1

Advanced Member
18 hours ago, Sigmund said:

Of course the Russian is a jerk. But often the bike or car rental companys are a bunch of scammers and either cheat foreign customers or rent out without proper checking of licences and road experience.

That moron - jerk is as Russian as he is a Thai. My best guess he's a <deleted>. Were you part of the group?

cynic1 Silver Member

cynic1

Advanced Member
3 hours ago, Front Row said:

And to all the people complaining on social media I say “Get a life.”

It's ok to do all that b..<deleted> as long as it's your fully owned bike BUT not a rental bike. The owner is trying to make a living and this moron screws it up for all. In short a f..cking self centred moron spoils all renters costs to cover this idiots actions.

cynic1 Silver Member

cynic1

Advanced Member
1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

he doesn't look Russian to me,

Exactly, have I misredd the story. Why state this d,,ck is Russian?

spidermike007 Star Member

spidermike007

Advanced Member

It's one thing to ride on roads like that with your own street bike, it's quite another thing to do it with a rental bike. That's fairly reckless and hugely inconsiderate. He will be made to pay. And that's only fair. Though the amount he may be made to pay might not be.

sambum Ruby Member

sambum

Advanced Member

"Concerns also arose due to reports that rental businesses in tourist areas may not retain tourists' passports,...."

Rental businesses are not allowed to retain tourist's passports. In the case of the UK :- "A British passport belongs to His Majesty’s Government. While issued to individuals for international travel and identification, the passport remains the property of the Crown, not the holder, and can be withdrawn or cancelled at any time. [1]"

ChipButty Star Member

ChipButty

Advanced Member

This would be interesting to know the outcome from the owner of the bike, How much damage was done,

PopGun Senior Member

PopGun

Member
4 hours ago, ChipButty said:

he doesn't look Russian to me,

Yeah they look more like the quality tourists from the Middle East.

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