Two individuals have been charged after a video of a jet ski being ridden along a flooded road in Bangkok went viral, drawing criticism over safety concerns amid the flood emergency.
The incident occurred last Sunday (27 Sept) along New Phetchaburi Road near the North Ekkamai Intersection in Huai Khwang district, where heavy rain had caused severe flooding.
Source: Nay Charoensupaya on Facebook
Footage circulating online showed the man riding a jet ski through a flooded traffic lane, drawing widespread backlash from social media users who questioned the decision to operate a personal watercraft on a public road during an emergency.
Following the public reaction, Metropolitan Police Division 1 commander Maj Gen Vorasak Pisitbannakorn (name transliterated from Thai) and Makkasan Police Station superintendent Col Uramporn Khundetsamrit (name transliterated from Thai) ordered officers to investigate.
Police reviewed CCTV footage and identified the rider as 28-year-old Sorn Kiattisiri (name transliterated from Thai), Thairath reported.
Source: Nay Charoensupaya on Facebook
His associate, identified as Praw (name transliterated from Thai), who recorded the video for social media, was also summoned.
Police seized the jet ski as evidence. Both men admitted to appearing in the video and participating in the incident.
During questioning, Sorn said he acted out of poor judgment and claimed he wanted to cheer up residents affected by the flooding.
Source: Amarin TV
He reportedly said that after studying overseas, he was unfamiliar with local expectations and social norms surrounding behaviour during disasters.
Sorn later issued a public apology, saying he did not expect the video to cause such controversy.
He claimed he had seen similar videos online and believed the stunt would entertain people during a difficult situation.
He also said he had spoken with some locals before riding the jet ski and believed they supported the idea.
Source: Amarin TV
However, he acknowledged that he failed to consider the wider impact of his actions and said he would accept responsibility under Thai law.
Makkasan Police Station charged Sorn with causing public nuisance or annoyance and obstructing traffic without authorisation.
Praw was charged with aiding and abetting the alleged offences.
Police submitted the case for court proceedings on 28 Sept and requested the court confiscate the jet ski used in the incident.
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Featured image adapted from Nay Charoensupaya on Facebook.