Phuket police cracks down on noisy bikes and rowdy teens

Phuket Provincial Police have ramped up efforts to tackle the nuisance of roaring motorbikes and unruly teens as the island gears up for the famous Vegetarian Festival and the peak tourist season.

At a press conference held at Phuket City Police Station, Region 8 Police Commander Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomchit announced the ongoing campaign, spearheaded by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, which kicked off on August 1. The mission? To restore public order and keep the island’s streets safe for the influx of tourists.

“Phuket is a hotspot for both Thai and international travellers, especially with big events on the horizon. We need to ensure a peaceful environment for everyone.”

The crackdown has already netted some significant results.

“So far, 50 offenders have been caught for illegal exhaust modifications, 98 drivers were nabbed for missing licence plates, and 96 vehicles suspected of being involved in unlawful activities have been seized.”

In addition to holding teenagers accountable, the police are taking the battle to their homes, charging 41 parents for neglecting or encouraging their children’s bad behaviour, while another 36 have been slapped with warnings, reported Phuket News.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong also urged locals to play their part.

“Parents must be vigilant, and we are here to support families who need help.”

In related news, in a chilling discovery on Sunday morning, the body of a foreign man was found hanged outside a resort in Koh Kaeo, Phuket province, leaving police scrambling to uncover his identity. The grim scene was uncovered by a hotel staff member at around 7.50am, on September 22, who immediately alerted the police.

In other news, in a bold move to clean up the streets of Patong, police and health officials are back in action, targeting Bangla Road’s nightlife hotspots with surprise drug tests.