A French man, who was riding a motorbike, has been charged with hit and run after a Thai pedestrian was badly injured in Patong last week. Last week a Thai woman named Maliwan Sarnrat was crossing Soi San Nam Yen in the centre of Patong when she was hit by a motorbike, travelling at speed. The rider did not stop to help her (below).
Four days later, on February 14, the rider returned the motorbike that was caught on CCTV to the motorbike rental shop in Patong. The rental shop noticed some scratches on the bike, which had been fixed. The rider was identified as a French male national named Naji Sami Bouakkaz.
The police were able to track down Mr. Bouakkaz using the CCTV footage and he was charged with “reckless driving at high speed” and “hit and run” causing severe injuries.
You can watch the video of the incident HERE. WARNING, some people may find the footage disturbing.
In another incident, last week seven French tourists were arrested and fined by Phuket police for disturbing the peace with their motorcycles in Patong. The police received many complaints from residents and motorists due to the noise and excessive exhaust caused by the group riding through the streets of Patong and revving their engines.
The Superintendent of Patong police, Pol Col Suchin Nilbodi, said the arrests and fines were necessary to emphasize the importance of responsible road behaviour in Phuket. He urged motorcycle rental services to educate their customers on the importance of avoiding activities that may cause a disturbance.
If you want to rent a motorbike in Thailand, you must have a Thai motorbike license or a motorbike license from your home country and an international driver’s permit. Rental companies usually require you to show your license as identification when renting a motorbike.
However, if you have an accident or end up in the hospital, your insurance will be voided without valid motorbike driving licenses.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
