HAT YAI — A group of 10 Malaysians aged 21-25 have publicly apologized to Hat Yai residents in Songkhla province after being caught racing modified vehicles on Kanchanawanit Road on Friday night, disturbing locals with loud exhaust noise.
Local residents filed complaints about six Malaysian-registered vehicles racing at high speeds and making excessive noise pollution as they entered Hat Yai. Police from Kho Hong Station, working with tourist police and traffic officers, tracked down and apprehended all six vehicles and their occupants on May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Thai authorities charged the Malaysian visitors with four violations: driving in a manner that obstructs traffic, reckless driving, unauthorized vehicle modifications with non-compliant parts, and incomplete required vehicle equipment.
The violators were brought to the police station where they were fined according to Thai traffic laws and given an educational session on Thailand’s traffic regulations with the help of an interpreter.
During the proceedings, the Malaysian tourists expressed remorse for their actions, apologizing to Hat Yai residents for causing disturbance and discomfort. They promised not to repeat such behavior and performed the traditional Thai wai gesture as a sign of respect and apology.
Following the completion of legal procedures, the group immediately departed for Malaysia, having completed their planned three-day visit to Thailand.
Police Colonel Apichat Wannako, Commander of Kho Hong Police Station, issued advice to foreign visitors driving into Thailand, emphasizing the importance of respecting local traffic laws. He specifically called on tour guides and travel operators bringing Malaysian, Indonesian, and Singaporean tourists to Thailand to ensure their clients understand and strictly follow Thai traffic regulations.
Hat Yai is the largest city in southern Thailand, located near the Malaysian border with a population of nearly 800,000. According to recent statistics, Thailand recorded more than 4 million Malaysian tourists from January to October 2024, with 49% entering through the Sadao Checkpoint near Hat Yai.
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