Hat Yai police deny harassing Malaysian bikers over traffic offences

KOTA BARU: The Hat Yai police have refuted allegations of harassing or intimidating a group of Malaysian motorcyclists, maintaining that the enforcement action was conducted in line with Thai traffic laws. This response follows a viral social media video posted by a Malaysian user, "Tok Singa," who claimed his group of 17 bikers was detained by Hat Yai traffic police, issued 15 summonses totaling 15,000 baht (approximately RM1,850), and threatened detention if fines were unpaid.

The post prompted concerns among Malaysians about visiting Hat Yai. However, Police Lieutenant Colonel Weerasak Phunsak, head of Hat Yai Traffic Police, clarified that the situation differed from the video's depiction. According to Weerasak, officers observed the group while on duty in front of the Hat Yai Police Station, noticing several motorcycles with modified flashing rear lights and loud exhaust systems.

They conducted safety and regulatory checks at the Saphan Dam intersection, leading to the inspection of all 17 motorcycles. Nine of the bikes were found to have traffic violations, resulting in nine summonses with a total fine of 12,000 baht (RM1,470). The violations included non-compliant equipment such as modified flashing rear lights and exhaust systems exceeding permissible noise levels.

Thai regulations require international driving licenses or Malaysian driving license cards with photographs issued by the Malaysian Road Transport Department. Vehicles older than 2024 are limited to a noise level of 95 decibels, while those registered from January 1, 2024, are capped at 90 decibels. Weerasak asserted that Thai traffic police acted professionally and in accordance with the law, irrespective of whether the individuals involved were foreign tourists or Thai nationals.

No coercion or harassment targeting Malaysians was observed. He advised travelers to Thailand to comply strictly with local traffic laws, emphasizing that the incident would not impact tourism in Hat Yai, as most tourists follow the law.