Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A video showing foreign tourists riding a motorcycle through a police checkpoint without stopping has sparked widespread public criticism in Phuket, raising concerns about road safety enforcement and respect for local law. The incident, which occurred on the night of 3 January 2026, prompted strong reactions online after footage was shared widely on social media the following day.

The clip was posted on 4 January 2026 by the Facebook page “โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต” and shows a foreign man and woman riding a motorcycle from Patong Beach in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, heading towards Kathu subdistrict. During the journey, they encountered a police checkpoint operateḍ by Royal Thai Police officers from Kathu Police Station, who were conducting routine duties and signalled for the pair to stop for inspection.

Despite the officers’ instructions, the riders did not stop and instead evaded the checkpoint by accelerating past it. The video, lasting 37 seconds, captures the moment the motorcycle bypasses the police, with accompanying text stating that the tourists “rode through the Kathu checkpoint without caring about the law or police officers.” The incident occurred at night, increasing concern about potential danger to both officers and other road users.

Following the clip’s circulation, social media users expressed mixed but largely critical views. Some commenters questioned whether motorcycle rental operators were properly checking that foreign customers held valid driving licences, while others claimed enforcement standards appeared inconsistent. Several comments suggested that tourist behaviour in Phuket had changed, with increasing instances of perceived disregard for local regulations.

The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges faced by authorities in tourist-heavy areas, particularly during peak travel periods. Phuket sees large numbers of foreign visitors and police regularly conduct checkpoints to check licences, helmets and vehicle documentation. Viral footage of non-compliance can intensify public scrutiny of both enforcement practices and tourist conduct.

No official statement had been released confirming whether the riders were later identified or faced legal consequences. It remains unclear whether police are actively pursuing the individuals involved or if further action will be taken against motorcycle rental businesses linked to the incident.

Khoasod reported that authorities are expected to continue checkpoint operations as part of standard road safety measures, especially during holiday periods. The case may prompt renewed discussion on stricter enforcement, clearer communication with tourists, and cooperation with rental operators to ensure legal compliance.

Key Takeaways

• A video shows foreign tourists riding through a police checkpoint in Kathu, Phuket without stopping.

• The incident occurred on the night of 3 January 2026 and was shared online on 4 January.

• Public reaction focused on road safety, enforcement standards, and tourist compliance with Thai law.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-05

 

 

Video courtesy of Phuketinsta

respect for local law

That's the best bit 😂

Israelis?

No Comment.............

It's not already April 1st, is it?

I can't count the number of times I have seen police trying to pull (Thai) motorcyclists of their bikes when they don't stop.

because they stop only tourists,this is what i see on pattaya beach road,fine only tourists,thai without helmet is okay or driving licence is okay to

Deport

48 minutes ago, petedk said:

It's not already April 1st, is it?

I can't count the number of times I have seen police trying to pull (Thai) motorcyclists of their bikes when they don't stop.

So, does that mean they shouldn´t care about foreigners breaking the law because of that?

12 minutes ago, karonbeach said:

because they stop only tourists,this is what i see on pattaya beach road,fine only tourists,thai without helmet is okay or driving licence is okay to

No, you don´t see that. That´s total B.S.

and Thais never break the law lol

we all know why these foreigners ran a checkpoint - same reason Thai's do it

One thing for sure, they were well pissed............

Maybe they thought they were flagging the pickup down, not them? 😁 Plus love the guy that wasn't stopped but decide it's ok to film them - haha 😆

6 hours ago, transam said:

One thing for sure, they were well pissed............

how can you determine that? maybe they're just crap drivers?

14 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

how can you determine that? maybe they're just crap drivers?

Perhaps you're right, if you were pissed, you would stop, put your hands up, and say......

"Fair cop, guv.".........🤣

3 hours ago, transam said:

Perhaps you're right, if you were pissed, you would stop, put your hands up, and say......

"Fair cop, guv.".........🤣

would you?

4 hours ago, transam said:

Perhaps you're right, if you were pissed, you would stop, put your hands up, and say......

"Fair cop, guv.".........🤣

And then you would say, "Do you like to drink tea?" 🙂

On 1/5/2026 at 9:50 AM, Gottfrid said:

So, does that mean they shouldn´t care about foreigners breaking the law because of that?

No, you don´t see that. That´s total B.S.

Of course they should care, but they don't go aroung filming Thais breaking the law, do they?

authorities are expected to continue checkpoint operations as part of standard road safety measures, especially during holiday periods.

I'm all for that but it has to be fair and not only Farangs getting rinsed, A few weeks back and and the wife were going out for a meal and we needed to drive by the famous Chalong circle here in Phuket it was a Sunday around 4-30 pm quite a lot of traffic, this circle is famous for the police all day and everyday, this time my wife was driving and I was able to observe the amount of Thai's riding bikes with no helmets, they were not getting stopped, I counted as we approached the circle they could have themselves about 20,000 baht in minutes,

On 1/5/2026 at 1:56 AM, Woke to Sounds said:

Israelis?

100%