Picture courtesy of by Facebook/ Wongwit Sand | via Thaiger

 

A foreign motorcyclist in Phuket faced backlash after a video of him making an illegal U-turn over a traffic island went viral. The video, initially posted by Thai driver Wongwit Sand on Facebook, shows the rider attempting the manoeuvre and nearly colliding with Wongwit's car. The criticism intensified when Newshawk Phuket shared the video and accused the foreigner of reckless behaviour.

 

The video captured the motorcyclist, with a passenger, using the traffic island to perform the risky U-turn. Just as he was about to rejoin the left lane, the motorist was forced to halt abruptly due to Wongwit allegedly approaching at high speed. Thai netizens were quick to condemn the foreign rider for endangering lives by flouting traffic laws.

 

However, many online commentators also targeted Wongwit, accusing him of accelerating intentionally to scare the rider. The debate took a turn as some netizens pointed out that locals frequently engage in similar illegal activities without facing public scrutiny, implying that foreign visitors often mimic what they observe. Comments flooded in, with some criticising Wongwit’s actions while others highlighted broader behavioural trends among Thai motorists.

 

In response to the criticism, Wongwit removed the video and defended his actions. He explained in a comment that the video did not provide full context, alleging that the rider had initially parked illegally to pick up a passenger. He insisted he had no intention of threatening the rider, stating he swerved left merely to prevent a crash.

 

This incident mirrors a similar case in September involving two foreign riders caught on video performing an illegal U-turn. That event also sparked an online uproar, with many highlighting the influence of local behaviour on foreign tourists’ actions, reportednThenThaiger.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A foreign rider from Phuket was criticised for making an illegal U-turn.
• The incident reignited discussions about Thai motorists setting poor examples.
• Wongwit faced backlash but clarified that the video lacked context.

 

Related Storit:

Foreign National Slaps Driver & Rams Van in Phuket Road Rage Incidents

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-12

 

 

 

And Thais never do that...   😉

What a drama.

Foreigner adopted to local customs.

Remarkable how Thais focus on the bad foreigner making that news. 

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

However, many online commentators also targeted Wongwit, accusing him of accelerating intentionally to scare the rider.

And that is much more criminal than an illegal U turn.

40 minutes ago, JoePai said:

And Thais never do that...   😉

And what is that for a lame excuse? Does that make it right?

Anybody else notice , in spite of the possilbe danger , the driver did not once take his foot off the accelerator , quite the opposite.
His speed increased from 89 kph to 106 kph while honking his horn.

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

accusing him of accelerating intentionally to scare the rider.

100% guilty as charged.

 

If the car driver hadkept in the left lane, passing the pesky motorcycle would have added five seconds to his journey... so it's understandable why he was so upset... 

 

Both parties performing badly.

It's completely normal on this road, not sure what makes this any different.

What's the problem?  This is how people drive in Thailand. 

3 hours ago, JoePai said:

And Thais never do that...   😉

 

Never!

And they never do u-turns on Zebra crossings nearly hitting the pedestrians as they cross

I've just driven my usual 20km to the supermarket and in those twenty minutes I have had 7 near misses from idiots that are clueless on the roads, not to mention the anal retentives that sit in the outside lane for 15KM as they prepare to U turn ......eventually, or just sit there admiring the view. Besides, only fools would design a road where you perform a U turn in the outside lane and have to cross another two lanes in the opposite direction. The biker made a mistake, but these idiots are here 24/7.

Ridiculous! I see maneuvers like this every day and they are always Thais!

Whats the issue ?

Hypocrites.......I see this every day I drive here. There is an old saying I remember........something about glass houses and stones.

On 12/12/2025 at 8:06 AM, Gottfrid said:

And what is that for a lame excuse? Does that make it right?

You are missing the point!

Phuket has a history of going after Farang, whether with slinghots or videos.

 

Probably the excesses of the tourist over population grating on the locals. Especially the Russians.

On 12/12/2025 at 3:07 AM, webfact said:

foreign visitors often mimic what they observe.

 

Exactly that...

Great driving skills. Honking the horn and speeding up from 90 km/h to 106 km/h to pass the scene quickly.

Honking and Pedal to the Metal.....Idi@t!

Wongwit should have done like farangs do and slowed down.

 

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

You are missing the point!

No, definitely not. The point is as usual to say that Thai´s always do all the bad things foreigner does. 

3 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

No, definitely not. The point is as usual to say that Thai´s always do all the bad things foreigner does. 

 

You are missing the point. The driver  complains =of dangerous behavior yet was far worse with reckless endangerment. The driver was speeding and then increased speed with an unsafe lane change. The motorcycle driver may have erred, but the  automobile driver had an obligation to slow or even stop, and not do what he did.

Thais have even put planks across diches that stay there for years, nobody ever removes them...

On 12/12/2025 at 7:25 AM, JoePai said:

And Thais never do that...   😉

U-turns and other criminal activities are reserved for Thais only.  Farangs must obey laws. 

His U turn on median strip was illegal, dangerous and not clever, but not uncommon. Car driver could have acted more carefully, however it's not unusual for drivers to use the horn and flashing headlights to set their 'right off way' and 'I'm not stopping'. The standard of driving here is not high and reminds us to drive defensively. 

On 12/12/2025 at 8:10 AM, NE1 said:

Anybody else notice , in spite of the possilbe danger , the driver did not once take his foot off the accelerator , quite the opposite.
His speed increased from 89 kph to 106 kph while honking his horn.

Yep... drama queen

Thai driver should be charged for aggressive horn behaviour. 

Assimilation. Darned if you don't, darned if you do. 😂

Motor cyclist was in the wrong but only doing what 99.9% of Thai motor cyclists do. 

In my opinion the car driver's actions are much worse, accelerating to scare and intimidate. 

All I can say is Phuket Thai residents must be a very busy lot if that's all they have on their minds.