[Malaysian Convoy Busted] Hat Yai Police Refute Claims of Targeted Enforcement, Videos Show Both Sides Happily Taking Photos Together

Regarding the controversy over the Malaysian motorcycle convoy being reported in Hat Yai, the local police have denied any targeted enforcement and have also refuted allegations of distorting facts.

According to a video released by the convoy representative "Tok Singa," 17 motorcycles in his convoy were allegedly singled out and seized by Hat Yai traffic police, with 15 summons totaling about 15,000 baht issued. He also called on Malaysian netizens to boycott traveling to Hat Yai.

In response, Hat Yai police addressed the allegations, and the officer in charge, Traffic Police Sergeant Veerasa, also released a video of the incident, showing that after the fines were paid, the atmosphere was friendly and tourists took commemorative photos with Veerasa.

Veerasa is also the owner of the Facebook page "Jawee Hatyai," which primarily posts about traffic enforcement and local traffic safety information. The page has a following that includes many Malaysian netizens.

In a post on his page showing the entire enforcement process, some of those stopped even claimed to be followers of Veerasa’s page and requested his stickers.

According to compiled reports from local Hat Yai media, Veerasa stated that he was on traffic duty in front of the police station when he noticed about 17 motorcycles from Malaysia pass by. Some of the vehicles had modified their tail lights to flashing lights, and some of the exhaust pipes were making excessive noise.

He then followed the convoy and intercepted them at a crossroads, directing them to the Hat Yai police station for a detailed inspection of vehicle documents, Road Traffic Accident Victims Compensation Act (RTACA) documents, driving licenses, and vehicle equipment.

He also mentioned that of the 17 motorcycles, only 9 were found to have committed violations, resulting in 9 fines totaling 12,000 baht, not the 15 fines and 15,000 baht as claimed online.

He said the fine amounts ranged from 1,000 to 3,000 baht, depending on the seriousness of the violation.

The violations listed by the police included: tail lights modified to flash, exhaust pipes exceeding noise limits, and some motorcycles found with flashing tail lights.

According to relevant Thai law, vehicle tail lights must use steady lighting and must not flash; some vehicles’ exhaust pipes were found to exceed the regulated noise standard.

Regarding the exhaust noise issue, Veerasa said that police used noise measuring instruments and found that the standards set by Thai law were breached.

He also explained that if a vehicle has a factory noise standard, the police will use the factory standard +5 decibels as the basis; if there is no such measurement data, the standard will depend on the year the vehicle was registered.

For vehicles registered before 2024, the noise limit is 95 decibels; for vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2024, the noise limit is 90 decibels.

"At the time, I had already explained this to the convoy participants."

As for the license issue, he said drivers must hold an international driver’s license or a physical license with photo issued by the Malaysian Road Transport Department.

"Temporary documents for license renewal (Renewal Slip) or electronic licenses shown via app are not recognized."

Additionally, some vehicles were also found unable to present Road Traffic Accident Victims Compensation Act (RTACA) documents.

Police Emphasize Acting According to Law

Veerasa refuted the online video's distortion of some facts and stressed that he was acting according to proper legal procedures, applying the same standards to foreign tourists and Thai citizens alike. There was no coercion or special targeting of Malaysians.

"When coming to Thailand for travel, we hope everyone can understand the local traffic laws in advance and strictly abide by them."

He also stated that he believes the incident will not affect Hat Yai's overall tourism industry, as most tourists comply with local laws.