Report Phuket Fines 17,000 Tourists for Unlicensed Driving

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Phuket's roads are in the spotlight as authorities crack down on unlicensed foreign drivers, revealing over 17,000 fines issued this year alone. These figures were shared at a recent provincial meeting chaired by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, highlighting a problem persisting despite prior efforts.

 

Between August 1 and 22, the police recorded a startling 1,423 cases of unlicensed driving and 172 instances of helmetless riding, totalling 1,769 offences in just three weeks. Major General Sinlert Sukhum, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, confirmed these details, emphasising the ongoing need for enforcement.

 

“So far this year, 2,261 Thai nationals and 17,705 foreigners have been caught driving without a licence," Sinlert stated. "We're not only fining offenders but also targeting those who rent vehicles to unlicensed drivers."

 

Last year, over 20,000 foreigners faced similar fines, with Russians forming the majority this year. Penalties range from fines to vehicle seizures, aimed at preventing future violations. Despite the crackdown, Sinlert observed improvements in safety habits among tourists, especially regarding helmet use.

 

"As part of our efforts, we're reviewing accident-prone areas," Sinlert added. A significant project includes installing a new traffic light system at Baan Noen intersection near Phuket International Airport, expected to be operational next month.

 

Phuket, a favoured destination for travellers from Russia, China, and Europe, continues to grapple with reckless tourist driving. The authorities insist that enforcement is crucial to enhancing safety for everyone on the island, where the common sight of tourists on rented scooters often raises safety concerns.

 

With the ongoing efforts and improvements in infrastructure, officials hope to see more significant behavioural changes among visitors, ensuring safer roads for both locals and tourists alike.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-26

 

[CallumWK]

Phuket BIB had a field day

[Chalong circle]

At last a good news : only 2261 Thai nationals were driving without a licence in Phuket. And all of them were wearing helmets. Well done BIB !

[Will B Good]

 

 

 

You have to wonder how long it took to get that photo......three motorbikes, five people........ and all wearing helmets.

[impulse]

In advanced countries, tourists without a license would be turned away when they even tried to rent one.

 

TBH, I have some sympathy for tourists who figure it must be legal since the rental agencies will gladly rent them one.  Most of them probably figure it also comes with at least liability and medical insurance cover in case of a wreck.

 

They could nip it in the bud by simply confiscating the scooters and make the rental agency pay out the wazoo to get them back.  Or just crush them.  But why would they want to?  This is low hanging fruit for them to supplement their meager salaries.

 

[quake]

Fines should be handed out  to all the motor cycle rental companies.

Who have enabled this to happen in the first place.

But we all know. T.I.T. 

 

[ronnie50]

18 minutes ago, impulse said:

This is low hanging fruit for them to supplement their meager salaries.

..and just before the end of the month - as usual.

[HappyExpat57]

17,000?

 

I don't buy that for a nanosecond. That means 80 tickets per day, every day. The BiB don't have that much energy. Are they writing tickets? Obviously, but they really should report a more believable number.