Seeing red: Thai motorists take legal aim at Mazda menace (video)
Thai motorists have initiated legal proceedings against the driver of a red Mazda hatchback, notorious for reckless driving and aggressive behaviour, especially targeting motorcyclists. One victim claimed his actions were akin to attempted murder.
The Thai man, better known as “Pete Red Mazda,” regularly shared dashcam footage on Facebook, often complaining about the behaviour of other motorists, mainly motorcyclists.
His latest and most serious incident was recently shared in a video showing Pete driving at high speed and colliding with a motorcycle on a road in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. In the caption, Pete blamed the motorcyclist for the accident.
“Tell me if you want me to give a review on my car insurance because I’ve already tried all the big insurance companies. However, for life insurance, ask the motorcyclist in the video.”
In the footage, Pete is seen driving at an extremely high speed, overtaking a car in front of him before colliding with the motorcyclist.
Online criticism
Many netizens sided with the motorcyclist and condemned Pete for his reckless driving.
In response, Pete angrily insisted that the motorcyclist was at fault, claiming that he already settled the matter with the rider before sharing the video.
The motorcyclist in the video, 49 year old Jintakarn, later came forward to seek justice. He explained that he did not argue with Pete on the day of the accident because he was in a hurry to get to work. However, after seeing the video, he decided to take legal action.
Jintakarn stated that the video clearly showed how dangerous Pete was driving and that he deliberately collided with his motorcycle. Pete did not slow down when approaching him. Jintakarn insists this was attempted murder.
Jintakarn’s case encouraged other motorists who encountered issues with Pete to come forward and share their experiences.
They claimed that Pete frequently honked aggressively at vehicles in front of him, cut off other cars, shouted vulgarities at motorists, and even deliberately collided with other vehicles.
Netizens then searched for further personal information about Pete. He was found to wear glasses, leading to the nickname “Four-Eyed Red Mazda.”
They also discovered his place of employment at a manufacturing company, prompting complaints and pressure on his employer to dismiss him.
Apology
Further controversy arose when a past photo of Pete emerged, showing a gun in his car, allegedly to intimidate other drivers. This image only fuelled more criticism against him.
Pete later stepped forward to apologise for his actions, claiming that he did not realise the consequences of his behaviour or its impact on other motorists. He urged netizens not to involve his workplace in the matter.
However, his apology did little to earn forgiveness. Instead, more victims came forward, filing additional complaints against Pete.
According to a report by Sanook today, March 4, police have been unable to contact Pete. He also deleted all his social media accounts in the wake of the controversy.
His workplace had just launched an official document on Pete’s temporary suspension and promised to conduct further investigation into the matter and punished Pete appropriately.
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