Phuket Police Arrest Foreigner for Pickup Drifting in Viral Video
Police in Phuket have arrested a foreign man after a viral video showed him drifting a white pickup truck in front of a convenience store in the island’s Bang Tao area. The case has drawn widespread attention online, with many Thai social media users demanding legal action over what they described as a reckless stunt that endangered the public.
The video, filmed outside a 7-Eleven store, captured the driver repeatedly drifting an Isuzu D-Max pickup in circles across the car park while a passenger recorded from inside the vehicle. Both the driver and the passenger were reported to be foreigners, though their exact nationalities remain in dispute.
Public Backlash Online
Once the clip spread across Thai social media, netizens called on local police to punish the driver. Many warned that the behavior could have resulted in accidents involving pedestrians or other vehicles. Some commenters claimed police could not intervene unless the store or property owner filed a formal complaint, sparking debate about how Thai traffic laws apply in such cases.
Adding to the controversy, a foreign woman—believed to be Bulgarian—later commented under the viral post admitting that the vehicle belonged to her. She apologized to the public, explaining that she and the driver were unaware that drifting was illegal in Thailand. The woman also stated she was prepared to accept any fines or penalties.
She further alleged that the person who recorded the video had encouraged them to continue drifting for the footage, only to post it online without their consent. She urged the cameraman to come forward and clarify the situation.
Arrest and Charges
On September 1, officers from Choeng Thale Police Station confirmed they had arrested the 28-year-old pickup driver. He was charged under Section 43(4) of the Land Transport Act, which prohibits reckless or dangerous driving. The law carries a fine ranging from 400 to 1,000 baht.
Police also impounded the white Isuzu D-Max pickup as evidence in the case. However, they did not disclose the exact fine imposed on the driver.
Confusion Over Nationality
Reports about the driver’s nationality varied among local media outlets. The Newshawk Phuket Facebook page reported he was Kazakh, while other sources identified him as Turkish or Uzbek. Police have not released official confirmation of his nationality.
Despite the uncertainty, the incident highlights growing concerns over reckless driving and social media stunts in tourist hotspots such as Phuket. Local residents and authorities have warned that such behavior damages the island’s image and risks public safety.
With the driver now facing legal consequences, the case serves as a reminder to both locals and foreigners that Thai traffic laws apply everywhere, including private car parks. Police emphasized that reckless driving, whether on public roads or in commercial areas, can and will be prosecuted.
