A video capturing a Russian motorcyclist damaging a rental bike while off-road riding in Phuket has sparked criticism online. The footage, shared by the Phuket Times on May 11, shows the man attempting and failing to climb a steep hill on a rented Yamaha NMAX. The vehicle, not meant for off-road use, sustained visible damage after falling down a slope.

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The incident occurred with several foreign riders present, and another individual was seen trying to help the motorcyclist push the bike uphill unsuccessfully. Criticism arose as the video circulated, highlighting the reckless use of rented property and the potential impacts on local businesses. Many on Thai social media viewed the actions as damaging and irresponsible.

Social media users questioned whether the rider would compensate the rental company, speculating about the potential for the bike to be abandoned. Concerns also arose due to reports that rental businesses in tourist areas may not retain tourists' passports, complicating liability issues. Calls were made for police to investigate the incident, though no official actions have been announced.

Looking Ahead, authorities may begin investigations into the event, seeking to identify the rider and address any legal ramifications. The situation also highlights a broader issue regarding tourist accountability in vehicle rentals, with possible implications for future rental policies.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 11 May 2026

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Of course the Russian is a jerk. But often the bike or car rental companys are a bunch of scammers and either cheat foreign customers or rent out without proper checking of licences and road experience.

He will have to pay. A lot. This incident made Thai TV News this evening.

One more reason for Thai police, to continue hunt down bad behaving foreigners.

👍

9 hours ago, OldHand2541 said:

He will have to pay. A lot. This incident made Thai TV News this evening.

One more reason for Thai police, to continue hunt down bad behaving foreigners.

👍

Since the bike is rented it is likely he signed a contract making him liable for any damage. They usually only come with he basic compulsory insurance.

He's probably already out of the country. Abandoned the bike somewhere.

Lots of rental bikes get abandoned at the airport on their way out,

3 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Lots of rental bikes get abandoned at the airport on their way out,

I believe that is true for the islands, ferry ports too.

That'll buff out no problem.

All the rental companies need is: (1) an actual contract, plagiarize Hertz or Avis contracts, and (2) a credit card being required at time of rental.

Social media users questioned whether the rider would compensate the rental company, speculating about the potential for the bike to be abandoned. Concerns also arose due to reports that rental businesses in tourist areas may not retain tourists' passports, complicating liability issues. Calls were made for police to investigate the incident, though no official actions have been announced.

The good news is that he probably rented it from another Russkie.

Hopefully, one affectionately nicknamed Ivan the BoneCrusher.

That looks like a really experience rider. At least he didn´t have his new-found Thai bar girl with him. 🤣

And to all the people complaining on social media I say “Get a life.”

3 minutes ago, Front Row said:

And to all the people complaining on social media I say “Get a life.”

Says the guy complaining on social media.

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

I believe that is true for the islands, ferry ports too.

A good friend of ours has had a few bikes and cars left at the airport in the past, I know years ago she had tracking devises fitted,

31 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Says the guy complaining on social media.

Ha! Yes. I’m acutely aware of the hypocrisy. In my defense I’m not going onto a facebook group to complain and demand the authorities investigate / arrest / deport. 😆

The guy is an absolute a-hole. I hope the vendor fines the ar*e off him.

Plonker!

Another Tik Tok jerk hungry for views.

Imbecile.

You’d think with all of this happening on a daily basis/weekly basis, that they would have very strict contracts, valid licenses, compulsory insurance and credit cards on file, but as you can see money is all that matters here and they think they can handle it if 💩 happens. Time to open your eyes up. This happens all of the time and way more than we know.

16 minutes ago, jcmj said:

You’d think with all of this happening on a daily basis/weekly basis, that they would have very strict contracts, valid licenses, compulsory insurance and credit cards on file, but as you can see money is all that matters here and they think they can handle it if 💩 happens. Time to open your eyes up. This happens all of the time and way more than we know.

Of course not, they tent the bikes without proper license, the police know this and don't do anything about the problem.

All rentals should only be to people who hold a valid motorcycle licenses and full insurance.

These guys are wrong taking bike off road.

I been a bike rider for 50 years and it annoys me to tourists who have little experience being given bikes easily.

The shops dcam people also with cost of damage.

he doesn't look Russian to me,

...All Vehicles Are Insured...Aren't They...(?)

...The Clients Pay Insurance...Don't They...(?)

...Rampant Xenophobia Some Would Say...(?)

...Intentional...Nothing...(?)

...He Took A Left Path...(?)

...It Veered Of Into The Wilderness...(?)

...Some Would Say He Was Clearly Stuck & Stymied...(?)

...He Tried To Get The Bike Turned Around...(?)

...It Slid Off The Side...(?)

...'Attempted Dirt Biking'...(?)

...Utter Insanity...And Again...With Heavy Undertones Of Racism...(?)

...And Resentment Towards Foreigners...(?)

...This Is Getting Out Of Hand...(?)

2 hours ago, Korat Kiwi said:

The guy is an absolute a-hole. I hope the vendor fines the ar*e off him.

Plonker!

Clearly his name was Ivor Smallbrain

1 hour ago, jcmj said:

You’d think with all of this happening on a daily basis/weekly basis, that they would have very strict contracts, valid licenses, compulsory insurance and credit cards on file, but as you can see money is all that matters here and they think they can handle it if 💩 happens. Time to open your eyes up. This happens all of the time and way more than we know.

He is Russian so how dose he have a valid credit card when the world has stopped Russian using the international banking system.

They are mostly bearded so my guess is there not Russian and how come he is ploughing up the side without a helmet then suddenly in the next shot he is wearing one.

18 hours ago, Sigmund said:

Of course the Russian is a jerk. But often the bike or car rental companys are a bunch of scammers and either cheat foreign customers or rent out without proper checking of licences and road experience.

That moron - jerk is as Russian as he is a Thai. My best guess he's a <deleted>. Were you part of the group?

3 hours ago, Front Row said:

And to all the people complaining on social media I say “Get a life.”

It's ok to do all that b..<deleted> as long as it's your fully owned bike BUT not a rental bike. The owner is trying to make a living and this moron screws it up for all. In short a f..cking self centred moron spoils all renters costs to cover this idiots actions.

1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

he doesn't look Russian to me,

Exactly, have I misredd the story. Why state this d,,ck is Russian?

It's one thing to ride on roads like that with your own street bike, it's quite another thing to do it with a rental bike. That's fairly reckless and hugely inconsiderate. He will be made to pay. And that's only fair. Though the amount he may be made to pay might not be.

"Concerns also arose due to reports that rental businesses in tourist areas may not retain tourists' passports,...."

Rental businesses are not allowed to retain tourist's passports. In the case of the UK :- "A British passport belongs to His Majesty’s Government. While issued to individuals for international travel and identification, the passport remains the property of the Crown, not the holder, and can be withdrawn or cancelled at any time. [1]"

This would be interesting to know the outcome from the owner of the bike, How much damage was done,