Russian Man Fined 10,000 Baht for Driving Pickup on Bang Tao Beach

A 44-year-old Russian man living in Cherng Talay, Phuket, has been fined 10,000 baht after driving a pickup truck across Bang Tao Beach. The incident prompted complaints from residents and an investigation by local police after footage circulated online.

The incident reportedly took place on October 28 near the Dusit Thani hotel in Cherng Talay, Thalang district. Videos shared on social media showed a Phuket-registered pickup driving back and forth across the sand, drawing criticism from viewers.

Officers from Cherng Talay Police Station traced the vehicle to the Russian resident and summoned him for questioning.

On November 1, police charged the man with causing inconvenience or annoyance to others in a public place through his driving. He accepted the 10,000-baht fine and was warned not to repeat the behaviour.

The case highlights the restrictions on driving vehicles along Phuket’s beaches and the potential consequences for motorists who disregard them.