Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A short video circulating on social media has raised safety concerns after it showed a foreign tourist clinging to the back of a moving truck while riding a bicycle on a major road in Phuket province. The incident drew widespread attention online on January 7, 2026, prompting warnings about the risk of a serious accident.

The 12-second clip was shared on January 7 by a Facebook page in Phuket and quickly spread across social platforms. It shows the cyclist holding onto the rear of a truck with his right hand as the vehicle travelled along Thepkrasattri Road, outbound from Phuket town in Thalang district.

The footage alarmed viewers because the cyclist appeared to be maintaining contact with the truck while it was in motion on a busy arterial route. The page that posted the clip added a sarcastic caption in Thai, warning that a small mistake could result in death.

According to online comments, some viewers believed the cyclist had been holding onto the truck since an earlier intersection. Others made light-hearted remarks, joking that the cool breeze may have been the motivation, while still highlighting the casual approach some tourists take towards road safety.

Thepkrasattri Road is a major thoroughfare in Phuket and is frequently used by heavy vehicles, private cars and motorcycles. The presence of a cyclist clinging to a truck on this route was seen by many commenters as particularly dangerous given traffic speeds and conditions.

The video rapidly gained traction, with many social media users criticising the behaviour as irresponsible. Several comments focused on the potential consequences for both the cyclist and other road users if an accident were to occur.

Local authorities had not issued an immediate statement regarding the incident. It remained unclear whether the cyclist had been identified by police or whether any legal action would follow.

Khoasod reported that the lack of official response left questions about enforcement and road safety messaging unanswered.The incident adds to ongoing concerns in tourist areas about adherence to local traffic laws. Authorities may review the footage to determine whether any offences were committed under Thai road safety regulations.

Key Takeaways

• A foreign tourist was filmed clinging to a moving truck while cycling on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket.

• The 12-second video was shared on January 7, 2026, and drew widespread criticism online.

• Authorities had not commented and it was unclear if the cyclist faced any legal action.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-08

 

 

Firchrissake people, get a life! My friends and I did this all the time in our foolish youth. Most of us didn't die from it, either. 😜🤪

This has been going on since "Back to the future" if not before - admittedly dangerous but up to them! Hope the truck doesn't make a surprise manoeuvre but if he does no blame

I did the same years ago going up steep climb outside NonSang. What most fail to grasp, myself included, is the dynamics of truck pulling you into it and your struggle to maintain a parallel course to the truck. The arm grows tired very quickly.

A future Go Fund Me participant.

On 1/8/2026 at 4:08 AM, Georgealbert said:

A short video circulating on social media has raised safety concerns after it showed a foreign tourist clinging to the back of a moving truck while riding a bicycle on a major road in Phuket province. The incident drew widespread attention online on January 7, 2026, prompting warnings about the risk of a serious accident.

The real risk is another GoFundMe being foisted on the already fatigued public.

On 1/8/2026 at 4:55 AM, HappyExpat57 said:

Firchrissake people, get a life! My friends and I did this all the time in our foolish youth. Most of us didn't die from it, either. 😜🤪

Sure but it's still obviously a stupid idea. If that truck makes any sudden lateral movement or slams on the brake you're looking at serious injury or death. I've drafted behind big trucks a few times and even though it's fun you can imagine how wrecked you'd be if it slammed on the breaks.

Troll post removed.

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Another sad weed dependent no doubt.

It’s all good fun till you are dead.

Most people, me included, did crazy stuff when young that we would never do now. Most, me included, get away with it, some do die.

It's also highly illegal, surprised none of our erudite posters or even the op bothered to mention that minor point?

nothing a brake check and a quick left turn wouldn't fix

4 minutes ago, Luuk Chaai said:

nothing a brake check and a quick left turn wouldn't fix

I guess you never did things like this when young.

1 minute ago, stevenl said:

I guess you never did things like this when young.

that's why I'm still alive and in one piece !

The mind boggles

After all- what can possibly go wrong!!??

45 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

It's also highly illegal, surprised none of our erudite posters or even the op bothered to mention that minor point?

The relevant legislation is the Thai traffic law (“พระราชบัญญัติ จราจรทางบก พ.ศ. 2522”), Section 83 (มาตรา 83)

Section 83 – Key Prohibitions for Bicycle Riders

When riding on a traffic lane, road shoulder, or a designated bicycle path, a bicycle rider must not do the following:

1. Ride negligently or in a dangerous manner that could cause harm to people or property.

2. Ride without holding the handlebars.

3. Ride more than two bicycles side-by-side, unless in a lane specifically for bicycles.

4. Ride while sitting in a place other than the saddle (regular seat).

5. Carry another person, except on a tricycle designed for passengers under conditions set by traffic officers.

6. Carry or hold goods in a way that interferes with steering or could cause danger to persons or property.

7. Attach to or be pulled by another moving vehicle.

Not as bad as some Thais doing Superman impressions while riding along prone on the bike.

Thailand. The first country on planet earth which really focuses on road safety and driver awareness!!

My a*** they do.

5 hours ago, Kenny Boy said:

Another sad weed dependent no doubt.

How did you manage to figure that out just from watching the video? Do you have some sort of expertise in criminal forensics? Or was it just a typo, and what you actually meant to say was: "Another seaweed-dependent, no doubt"?😁

4 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

nothing a brake check and a quick left turn wouldn't fix

A quick right turn would fix it too.

What about sudden acceleration?

On 1/7/2026 at 9:55 PM, HappyExpat57 said:

Firchrissake people, get a life! My friends and I did this all the time in our foolish youth. Most of us didn't die from it, either. 😜🤪

What happened to the one's that were not included in the "most of us?" 🙂

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

What happened to the one's that were not included in the "most of us?" 🙂

Got to live a little, some excitement when a youngin', especially on long rides. Use to hold on to the back of moving vehicles, all sizes, when roads covered in snow, and hope for no clear dry spots.

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Got to live a little, some excitement when a youngin', especially on long rides. Use to hold on to the back of moving vehicles, all sizes, when roads covered in snow, and hope for no clear dry spots.

How old do you think the guy is in the clip?

29 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

How old do you think the guy is in the clip?

Age is irrelevant to enjoying your life. Life is an adventure and to be lived, at any age ... whatever makes you smile

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Age is irrelevant to enjoying your life. Life is an adventure and to be lived, at any age ... whatever makes you smile

Do you ride a motorbike in Thailand? If yes, do you wear a helmet when riding?

Do you drive a car in Thailand? If yes, do you wear the seat belt when driving?

11 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

Sure but it's still obviously a stupid idea. If that truck makes any sudden lateral movement or slams on the brake you're looking at serious injury or death. I've drafted behind big trucks a few times and even though it's fun you can imagine how wrecked you'd be if it slammed on the breaks.

Or slammed on the brakes even.

Sheesh...

3 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Do you ride a motorbike in Thailand? If yes, do you wear a helmet when riding?

Do you drive a car in Thailand? If yes, do you wear the seat belt when driving?

Helmet, yes. Don't dress for road rash, just shorts & shirt, w/sandals (no socks). Dress for the weather, not safety, for past 43+ yrs of riding MCs.

Seatbelt, only because it's the law.

Ebike, no helmet, though ride very conservative, same when cycling, no helmet.

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

Helmet, yes.

Why????

You should live a little and let the wind go through your hair, or over your bald head. 😂

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

Seatbelt, only because it's the law.

Geez, I wonder why it's the law. Could it be to stop more and more Go Fund Me's from those who want to live a little. 😂

3 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Ebike, no helmet, though ride very conservative, same when cycling, no helmet.

Very brave. 😂

8 hours ago, stevenl said:

I guess you never did things like this when young.

i remember doing things like that before cars hanging on to my dads horse and cart

4 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Why????

Live a little let the wind go through your hair, or over your bald head. 😂

Geez, I wonder why it's the law. Could it be to stop more and more Go Fund Me's from those who want to live a little. 😂

Very brave. 😂

Actually the ebike would be the most dangerous, as can easily do 40+ kph. Tie for cycling in TH, though live semi rural. I wouldn't ride either at busy Krung Thep. But hey, most accidents are within a few kms from home.

Being on the roads is safe, compared to some of the stuff friends and myself used to do. Or some of the trill seeking stuff I've done. High risk, maybe not a good idea, being scared, doing it anyway, surviving ... living life, HELL YEA, what a rush.