Police Crush 366 Illegal Motorcycle Exhausts in Crackdown
Chiang Mai police destroyed 366 illegal motorcycle exhausts in a public ceremony, part of a crackdown that has netted 354 cases since January targeting noise pollution and traffic violations.
The end of illegal street racing: Sankampaeng Police in Chiang Mai destroyed 366 illegally modified motorcycle exhaust pipes on July 23, 2025, in a public destruction ceremony attended by local officials and government representatives. Since January 1, 2025, the Sankampaeng Police Station has apprehended 354 cases of illegally modified motorcycles and confiscated 366 exhaust pipes from completed cases, all of which were destroyed to prevent their return to the community. Police warned that modifying exhaust pipes to produce excessive noise violates traffic and environmental laws with fines up to 2,000 baht, while unlicensed motorcycle shops face imprisonment of up to six months and fines up to 500,000 baht. Parents who allow their children to street race or modify motorcycles can face charges under the Child Protection Act and are jointly liable for both civil and criminal penalties. The public is urged to report suspected cases of illegal motorcycle modifications, loud exhausts, or street racing to Sankampaeng Police at 053-331-191, available 24 hours daily.
