UPDATE: Two Emirati men face charges after alleged Phuket checkpoint chase

Two Emirati men were arrested in Phuket on 13 August 2026 after allegedly riding a black Honda motorcycle through a traffic checkpoint, kicking a pursuing traffic officer's motorcycle and fleeing before being cornered on a dead-end road, according to Khaosod English and the Bangkok Post.

The incident took place at about 1pm while officers from Kathu Police Station were operating a traffic checkpoint near the Si Kor intersection on Phrabarami Road. Pol Sgt Maj Sivayos Yodrabum spotted the motorcycle, carrying two foreign men travelling from Patong Hill towards the intersection. He signalled the rider to stop for a licence check, but the rider allegedly accelerated through the checkpoint and fled along Phra Phuket Kaew Road.

When Sivayos again ordered the pair to stop near Kathu Municipality, the passenger allegedly used his left foot to kick the officer's motorcycle, causing it to lose balance. Police also said the pair later cut across his path, causing Sivayos to crash during the pursuit. He suffered injuries, while his uniform, glasses and motorcycle were damaged. Despite being injured, he continued chasing the suspects.

Police said the pair were later seen near a duty-free store on Phra Phuket Kaew Road but refused to surrender. The rider then allegedly drove against traffic and fled into a road leading to The Valley housing estate.

The pursuit ended when the suspects abandoned their motorcycle at the end of a dead-end road inside the estate and tried to flee on foot. Officers surrounded the area and apprehended them near the estate entrance, according to The Phuket Express.

Police identified the men as Sohail, 21, the rider, and Hamad, 20, the passenger. Both are Emirati nationals. Police said they were informed of the charges against them and their legal rights before being taken with the seized motorcycle to Kathu Police Station for further investigation and prosecution under Thai law.

The Phuket Express reported that authorities confirmed both men face multiple charges, including resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer and traffic violations.