PHUKET — A viral motorcycle ride on Phuket’s Kamala Beach ended in a costly lesson for an Israeli tourist who claimed beach biking was legal in his homeland.
Mr. Amirah, 30, was tracked down by local police on November 5 after social media lit up with footage of his motorcycle adventure, dubbed “Kamala Beach Racing,” which showed his bike stuck in the pristine Thai sand.
Despite holding a valid international driver’s license, the tourist found himself facing police action after Kamala Police Station Superintendent Colonel Somsak Thongkliang ordered an investigation into the incident.
“There were no warning signs,” Amirah told police, explaining that such activities are permitted in Israel. He readily agreed to pay the 5,000 baht fine for causing public disturbance.
While Thailand has no specific laws against beach driving outside national parks, authorities acted under general traffic regulations prohibiting public nuisance. The case has sparked discussion about the need for clearer signage at popular tourist beaches.
Previously in May, a similar incident occurred when famous YouTuber ‘SpriteDer SPD,’ who has 14 million subscribers, drove an electric vehicle onto Pak Nam Lang Suan Beach in Chumphon province to create content. The car became stuck in the sand, sparking widespread criticism.
Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, was among those who condemned the act, stating that driving on beaches is highly inappropriate behavior. He emphasized that beaches are sensitive, fragile ecosystems with various marine life that could be adversely affected by vehicles driving on the sand
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