Tide turns: Chinese man in hot water over risky Ping River plunge

A Chinese man faces a fine of up to 5,000 baht for swimming in the Ping River in Chiang Mai province during a strong current and flooding.

A video of the man floating and relaxing in the Ping River during heavy flooding in Chiang Mai was first shared last month. The video drew widespread criticism, with many expressing concern that he was endangering himself and creating additional work for rescue teams already busy saving flood victims.

Netizens called for the police to take action but there was no legal intervention at the time. A similar video of the same man swimming in the Ping River after heavy rain was shared on social media again yesterday, October 3. The video’s caption read…

“Urgent! A Chinese man (believed to be the same person) was seen swimming in the Ping River at 4.50 pm! Police are searching for him.”

ThaiRath reported that the man was spotted near Nawarat Bridge in Mueang Chiang Mai district. His presence alarmed many locals, who initially thought he was in danger. Concerned onlookers called the police and rescue teams to the scene.

However, the man was not in distress, he was merely enjoying a swim in the dangerously strong current.

Due to the public alarm caused, officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station, in coordination with tourist police, arrested the Chinese man, identified as Li Bin, yesterday.

Li explained that he loves swimming and regularly posts videos and pictures of himself swimming in various places on social media. He said he wanted to create content for his account by swimming in the Ping River during the strong current.

Li also admitted that he was the same person caught swimming in the river last month. He was charged with causing a public nuisance and fear to others. The penalty is a fine of up to 5,000 baht, although the exact amount was not disclosed.

Through an interpreter, the police issued a warning to Li. He admitted his wrongdoing and apologised to the residents of Chiang Mai, promising not to engage in dangerous behaviour for online attention or swim in the Ping River during floods again.