Police said officers were dispatched to Chalerm Phrakiat Ror 9 Rd, commonly known as ‘the bypass road’, at about 3am after receiving reports of teenagers gathering to race motorcycles and causing danger to other road users.
Upon arrival, officers found a group of teenagers gathered along the roadside. Police said the youths fled on their motorcycles after spotting officers approaching.
During the inspection of the area, police seized three motorcycles suspected of being connected to the racing activity. The vehicles were taken to Phuket City Police Station for further investigation and legal action.
Police noted that the activity may constitute offences under the Road Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and subsequent amendments, which prohibit racing on public roads without written permission from traffic officers.
The law also covers gatherings of five or more vehicles in public places where there is evidence of planned street racing or the use of illegally modified vehicles.
Officers added that further charges could be filed if inspections find that the motorcycles had been illegally modified, including alterations to engines, exhaust systems or other parts without authorisation.
Police warned that illegal street racing poses a serious risk to both participants and other road users, particularly during late-night hours when visibility and reaction times are reduced.
Authorities also urged parents to closely monitor their children’s use of motorcycles, especially at night, to help prevent dangerous behaviour and potential accidents.