Malaysian Tourists Threaten Hat Yai Boycott Over Traffic Fines

A social media post by a Malaysian tourist threatening to boycott Hat Yai has sparked debate after a group of Malaysian motorcyclists were fined by Thai police for traffic violations.

The Facebook user, who goes by the name Tok Singa, posted a video claiming that his group of 17 Malaysian motorcyclists received 15 tickets totaling about 15,000 baht during a traffic inspection by Hat Yai Police.

The post alleged that only one police officer handled the inspection, which took nearly three hours. It also claimed the group was threatened with detention if they delayed paying the fines, while some riders said their motorcycles still had factory-standard exhaust pipes and that police did not accept digital driving licences.

The video went viral and included a call for Malaysians to boycott Hat Yai, a popular destination for Malaysian tourists.

Hat Yai Police, however, disputed several of the claims.

Police Sergeant Major Veerasak Phansaeman, the officer involved in the incident, said he was directing traffic outside Hat Yai Police Station when he noticed a group of about 17 motorcycles from Malaysia.

Some motorcycles had modified flashing rear lights, while others appeared to have excessively loud exhaust systems, he said. Officers followed the group and stopped them at Dam Bridge intersection before bringing the motorcycles to the police station for a detailed inspection of documents, compulsory insurance, driving licences and vehicle equipment.

After inspecting all 17 motorcycles, police found violations involving nine vehicles and issued nine tickets, with total fines of 12,000 baht — not 15 tickets totaling 15,000 baht as claimed in the social media post.

Individual fines ranged from 1,000 to 3,000 baht, depending on the violation.

Veerasak said police used a sound-level meter in accordance with legal requirements when checking motorcycle exhaust noise. Officers first checked the manufacturer's noise-level plate, allowing an additional 5 decibels where applicable. If no plate was available, the limit was determined by the vehicle's registration date.

Motorcycles registered before 2024 are subject to a maximum limit of 95 decibels, while those registered from 1 January 2024 are limited to 90 decibels, he said.

Veerasak said officers explained the regulations to the Malaysian tourists and denied that police had mistreated or singled them out because they were foreigners.

"The video distorted some of the facts," he said, adding that officers had followed legal procedures and treated foreign tourists and Thai motorists equally.

He urged visitors driving into Thailand to familiarize themselves with local traffic laws and comply with them.

"Even though we are concerned about the impact on the tourism image, officers must uphold the law," Veerasak said.

He added that he did not expect the incident to have a significant impact on Hat Yai's tourism industry, saying most visitors comply with Thai laws.