PHUKET — Two foreigners are under police investigation after a video surfaced showing them performing dangerous drifting maneuvers in a pickup truck in a Bang Tao convenience store parking lot, sparking widespread condemnation from local residents and Thai netizens.

Saudi National Arrested in Phuket for Reckless Driving

The footage, shared widely on social media on August 26, captures a white pickup truck spinning and skidding in the spacious parking area of a 7-Eleven store—a location residents say has repeatedly attracted such reckless behavior. The driver and passenger, both believed to be foreign nationals, have not yet been formally identified.

Choeng Thale Police were alerted to the incident after the Facebook page Newshawk Phuket tagged the station, prompting an on-site investigation. While no formal complaint has been filed by the store owner—necessary for police to pursue charges on private property—authorities are reviewing evidence to determine appropriate legal action.

In a surprising turn, a woman claiming to be Bulgarian identified herself as the vehicle’s owner in the comments section of the post. She apologized publicly, stating, “We did not know we cannot do this in your country,” and expressed willingness to pay fines or cooperate with authorities. She also alleged that a cameraman encouraged the stunt and shared the video online.

If charged, the individuals could face fines between 400 and 1,000 baht for reckless driving under Thai traffic laws. The incident has intensified calls for greater awareness and adherence to local regulations among foreign visitors, particularly concerning public safety.

Foreign Tourist’s Reckless Driving Sparks Outrage in Phuket

The case remains under investigation as Phuket authorities continue efforts to curb dangerous driving behavior amid ongoing concerns over tourist conduct on the island.

-Thailand News (TN)