Teen racers busted in Phuket midnight police crackdown
Reckless teen bikers got a rude awakening this week as Wichit Police swooped in on a notorious Phuket racing hotspot, hauling in 17 underage riders and seizing 10 souped-up motorbikes in a late-night sting.
The crackdown, carried out in the early hours of yesterday, April 4 in the Laem Dinso area, was part of an intensified campaign to tackle illegal street racing and late-night public disturbances, according to Wichit Police Chief Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang.
“Laem Dinso has become a magnet for illegal racing and dangerous driving. Residents have had enough, and we’re taking action.”
The bust follows a similar operation earlier this week in Ao Yon, where police detained the parents of 14 minors caught street racing. Those parents are now facing legal consequences under the Child Protection Act of 2003 for allowing their children to engage in unlawful activities.
In the latest operation, officers moved swiftly in response to growing public complaints about noise, reckless riding, and safety hazards caused by young racers. After detaining the 17 underage riders, police summoned their parents for a formal briefing on their children’s behaviour and the legal implications.
“They were informed of the offences and handed over to investigation officers to face charges under the Child Protection Act and traffic laws,” Pol. Col. Somsak explained.
He stressed that this was the second major sweep in the area this month and warned that more would follow if the behaviour continues.
“We will continue to take strict action against young racers who cause disturbances in the community. We urge parents to take responsibility and prevent their children from engaging in such behaviour.”
The police chief also noted that the issue goes beyond just breaking traffic laws—it poses a serious threat to public safety and sets a dangerous example for other youths, reported The Phuket News.
The crackdown comes as part of a broader push across Phuket to clean up the streets and ensure safer public spaces at night, especially in areas with a history of youth-related disturbances.
Locals have praised the move, saying it’s long overdue and hope it brings peace and quiet back to their neighbourhoods.
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