Crime Malaysian Tourists Cause Uproar in Hat Yai with Noisy Midnight Street Racing

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Local residents in Hat Yai, have voiced outrage after a group of Malaysian-registered cars disrupted the peace with high-speed driving and deafening exhaust noises through city streets during the early hours of 17 May.

 

According to eyewitnesses and complaints from locals, the group of modified sedans began causing disturbances around midnight on 16 May. Residents of Ban Rai and Khlong Pom subdistricts in Hat Yai reported that the cars raced along Kanchanavanich Road at high speed, producing thunderous exhaust noise and disturbing the entire neighbourhood.

 

Later, more reports emerged from the Kho Hong area of similar scenes. Eyewitnesses described the vehicles forming rows across the road, three cars per row, blocking traffic as they drove slowly and then suddenly revved their engines, creating a deafening roar that forced residents from their sleep.

 

At approximately 91:25 on 17 May, local reporters at the scene near Greenway Market in Kho Hong confirmed the presence of six Malaysian-registered cars driving in formation on the outbound lane from central Hat Yai. The modified vehicles, fitted with loud exhaust systems, drove up and down the road in repeated laps, before parking briefly at the roadside and then continuing on Sri Phuwanat Road.

 

The group, believed to be tourists visiting Thailand during the weekend, has drawn sharp criticism for treating public roads as their personal racetrack. Frustrated residents condemned the reckless behaviour, which they said has become increasingly common.

 

Tourist police are currently reviewing CCTV footage along the affected routes in an effort to identify and prosecute those responsible. Authorities are also coordinating with relevant agencies to enforce stricter controls and prevent a repeat of such disruptive behaviour in the future.

 

Local officials have urged visiting motorists to respect Thai laws and community wellbeing, emphasising that public roads are not playgrounds for dangerous or inconsiderate driving.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-18.

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Malaysian Street Racers Apologise After Late-Night Car Stunt in Hat Yai

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A group of young Malaysian tourists has issued a formal apology after being caught racing their vehicles in a noisy late-night stunt through the streets of Hat Yai. The group, consisting of 10 men and women aged between 21 and 25, were driving six modified saloon cars, which drew the ire of local residents due to the loud engine noise and dangerous driving behaviour.

 

According to police reports, residents of Hat Yai were disturbed during the night by the sound of multiple cars revving their engines and driving in convoy, prompting complaints to local authorities. CCTV footage confirmed the presence of six Malaysian vehicles driving in a manner that obstructed traffic and disturbed the peace.

 

Police from the Kho Hong Police Station, led by Pol. Col. Apichart Wannako, alongside the Tourist Police and local traffic officers, launched an investigation into the incident. The team was able to locate and apprehend all six vehicles and their drivers based on the CCTV evidence. Interpreters were brought in to facilitate communication with the tourists.

 

The group was taken in for questioning and subjected to a session to raise awareness about Thai traffic laws. They were also fined for multiple offences under the Road Traffic Act, including:

 

1. Operating vehicles with unauthorised modifications

2. Incomplete or non-compliant vehicle equipment

3. Obstructing traffic flow

4. Reckless driving

5. Altering the condition of vehicles illegally

 

After the legal process was completed, the tourists offered a public apology, bowing in a wai gesture. A spokesperson for the group expressed remorse, stating, “We sincerely apologise to the people of Hat Yai for the noise and disruption we caused. It won’t happen again. We are truly sorry.”

 

Pol. Lt. Col. Thanawat Baimadpanjor, Deputy Superintendent of Kho Hong Police Station, emphasised that all foreign tourists must strictly follow the laws, particularly traffic regulations, during their stay in the Kingdom. He urged tour guides and travel operators bringing in visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore to ensure their clients understand and comply with local rules.

 

Following the conclusion of their three-day visit to Thailand, the group returned to Malaysia.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-18.

 

 

 

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The group was taken in for questioning and subjected to a session to raise awareness about Thai traffic laws. They were also fined for multiple offences under the Road Traffic Act, including:

 

1. Operating vehicles with unauthorised modifications

2. Incomplete or non-compliant vehicle equipment

3. Obstructing traffic flow

4. Reckless driving

5. Altering the condition of vehicles illegally

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Following the conclusion of their three-day visit to Thailand, the group returned to Malaysia.

So, they got to drive home in illegal vehicles

[Stocky]

I  wish they'd do the same with the local kids racing their motorbikes at the weekends, our road is on one of the race circuits, there are several loops they change each week to avoid the cops. All have modified exhausts and racing starts around from about 2am.