Phuket Police Crack Down on Teen Street Racing, Parents Face Legal Action

Phuket police detained seven minors suspected of taking part in illegal motorcycle races on public roads and setting off fireworks while recording social media content on October 11. Officers seized eight motorcycles and 50 fireworks and firecrackers. The parents of all seven teenagers are also facing legal action.

The group, known as the “Bang Khonthi” gang, came under investigation following complaints about motorcycle racing and loud fireworks disturbing residents across Phuket. One area of particular concern was near a hospital.

All seven suspects are under 18. They face allegations including illegal racing on public roads, driving in a manner that disregards the safety and peace of others, causing a public nuisance and making excessive noise that alarmed or disturbed local residents.

Police are seeking court approval to confiscate the motorcycles allegedly used in the offences. Authorities are also pursuing legal action against the teenagers’ parents under Thailand’s Child Protection Act.

Police described the Bang Khonthi group as the first target in a broader campaign against motorcycle gangs that engage in similar behaviour and film their activities for social media.

Officers have also documented information on another 16 young people considered at risk of becoming involved in such activities. Investigators are continuing efforts to locate members of two other groups, known as “Hua Jai Mangkon” and “Sap Jang”.

In a separate operation in Roi Et province, police and district officials detained 51 young people and seized 38 modified motorcycles during an overnight crackdown from May 29 to May 30. The operation followed complaints from residents about noise from motorcycles.