Police Crack Down on Motorcycle Rally, 794 Cited and 23 Bikes Seized
Thai police launched a major operation against the 'Waterless Trip' motorcycle rally in Phetchabun province, citing 794 riders for traffic violations and seizing 23 motorcycles. Officers also arrested three people on drug charges, including one with an outstanding warrant, and confiscated 96 methamphetamine pills during the November 13-14 crackdown.
Police mounted a heavy crackdown on the 'Waterless Trip' motorcycle group, setting up checkpoints in the area. They caught 794 people violating traffic laws, seized 23 motorcycles, arrested two for drug offenses, and warned group members to obey the law. On November 14, 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Nitithon Chintakanon, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the National Traffic Management Center, revealed that the Royal Thai Police had integrated forces from Provincial Police Region 1, Provincial Police Region 6, and the Central Investigation Bureau to oversee traffic and prevent violations by the 'Waterless Trip' motorcycle group. The group had arranged to gather and travel to Phetchabun province between November 13-15, 2026, to promote traffic discipline, prevent street racing, and monitor illegal acts along the route, prioritizing the safety of participants and the public. For enforcement measures, highway police and local officers set up checkpoints, interdiction points, and patrols monitoring main routes, rest stops, gas stations, and key locations used by the motorcycle group. They targeted risky behaviors that could cause accidents, especially speeding, reckless or dangerous driving, and inspected illegally modified motorcycles, unlicensed drivers, those not wearing helmets, and other related offenses to prevent the group's travel from affecting public safety and order. Traffic police in Provincial Police Region 1, Provincial Police Region 6, the Highway Police Division, and the Central Investigation Bureau inspected a large number of motorcycles and motorcycle transport vehicles, finding traffic violations and taking legal action on other related offenses. On November 13-14, 2026, they inspected 1,308 motorcycles and 216 slide trucks or motorcycle transport vehicles, totaling 1,524 vehicles. They enforced traffic laws against 794 people for offenses including driving without a license, incomplete vehicle equipment, not wearing helmets, missing license plates, vehicle modifications, and other violations. They seized 23 motorcycles and arrested three offenders: one wanted on a Saraburi Provincial Court warrant for drug offenses and two for drug-related offenses, confiscating 94 methamphetamine pills and 2 methamphetamine pills as evidence. Officers arrested and prosecuted according to relevant laws. The enforcement figures above cover first-time offenders who were summoned, with warnings issued for non-severe offenses that did not endanger others, per the policy of Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. Pol. Maj. Gen. Nitithon stated that beyond traffic enforcement, police also prioritized crime prevention and suppression, inspecting individuals and vehicles under legal authority to prevent smuggling of drugs, weapons, or contraband into the area, and tracking and arresting individuals with warrants. This is part of upgrading safety measures covering both traffic and crime prevention. Officers focused on enforcing laws against individual offenders, not targeting all participants collectively, while providing advice to foster understanding.
