Rental motorcycle damaged on Phuket dirt track in viral riding video

A foreign rider damaged a rental motorcycle on an off-road track in Phuket in an incident shown in video shared on May 11 by the Phuket Times Facebook page. The page said the rider was believed to be a Russian national and was using a rented bike not designed for off-road riding.

The footage showed a man in white clothing riding a red motorcycle believed to be a Yamaha NMAX along a dirt track. He tried to climb a steep rocky hill but failed to reach the top.

Video shows failed hill climb and crash

A second foreign man then joined him and tried to help push the motorcycle uphill, but the attempt also failed.

The rider later tried to manoeuvre the bike along a narrow section of the hill and lost control. The motorcycle fell down the slope, with visible damage shown on the video and parts seen breaking off during the fall.

Several foreign riders and motocross enthusiasts were visible watching nearby. At the end of the clip, the rider reportedly showed the bike’s damage and marks left on the dirt track.

Online backlash raises questions over compensation

The Phuket Times page also posted a screenshot of a conversation with the foreign man who uploaded the original video. In that exchange, he reportedly confirmed the incident took place in Phuket.

The video drew criticism from Thai social media users, who accused the rider of reckless behaviour and of damaging property that did not belong to him.

Some commenters questioned whether he would compensate the rental business for the damaged motorcycle. Others speculated that he might abandon the bike before leaving Thailand, with claims that many rental operators in tourist areas no longer keep customers’ passports during hire agreements.

Several commenters also urged police to identify the rider and investigate the case. Police had not announced any action, and the motorcycle’s owner had not publicly commented.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/foreigner-condemned-for-damaging-rental-motorcycle-in-phuket