Social Media Personality Calls for Investigation Into Dangerous Motorcycle Stunt
A social media personality has called for an investigation into a viral video showing a father having his young son ride a motorcycle with his eyes closed on a public road, raising safety and child welfare concerns in Thailand.
On September 16, social media personality Ariyut Woraroj, known as Benz Racing, along with the mother's lawyer, submitted a letter to Thailand's Minister of Social Development requesting an investigation into a case referred to as "mystical father and son." The request follows the emergence of a viral video showing a father having his son close his eyes while riding a motorcycle on a public road, creating potential danger to both the child and other road users.
Benz Racing stated that although he has no personal connection to the family, he felt obligated to act after seeing the video circulate online. He expressed concern that allowing such dangerous content to go unchecked could normalize risky behavior and lead to copycat stunts, particularly the practice of having children ride motorcycles with their eyes closed on public roads. He emphasized this poses risks not only to the children but also to other road users, and requested that relevant authorities investigate whether the conduct violates traffic laws or other legislation.
Benz Racing also requested an investigation into the welfare and education of both children, noting that the older boy is 13 years old and the younger is 8, with questions about whether they are attending school regularly. According to the mother's lawyer, a previous court agreement between the parents stipulated that during school breaks the children would stay with their father, but during term time with their mother. The agreement also explicitly prohibited the father from engaging the children in any activities related to mysticism or occultism, or any other dangerous activities that pose risk to minors.
Benz Racing, who has racing experience himself, emphasized the inherent risks of motorcycle riding even with proper safety equipment. He warned that allowing a blindfolded child to ride exposes the child to unnecessary danger and violates road safety principles.
Ms. Chanok Chantathong, Deputy Minister of Social Development, confirmed that after the minister was informed of the incident and expressed concern for the children's safety and welfare, he ordered officials to investigate the facts on the ground, including the living conditions, child care practices, and the father's conduct. Officials from the Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security have already begun their investigation.
