Man Faces Suspension After Jet Ski Stunt in Flooded Bangkok Streets
A man's jet ski stunt in flooded Bangkok sparks outrage as the city grapples with severe monsoon rains and widespread displacement.
POLICY WIRE — Bangkok, Thailand — A 27-year-old man has been given a suspended prison sentence after he rode a jet ski through flood-drenched streets of Bangkok, drawing widespread criticism amid ongoing waterlogging that has displaced thousands.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening along Phetchaburi Road, where rising waters had turned the area into a makeshift canal. Sorn Keadsiri’s actions sent splashes across sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and walls, while other vehicles were stranded or abandoned due to the severe weather.
A video capturing the stunt was widely shared on Thai social media, showing Keadsiri performing sharp turns as a friend filmed him and encouraged him to stay straight. The footage, later posted on Facebook under the caption BKK DRIFT, was removed by Monday. Police arrested Keadsiri and charged him with public nuisance and traffic obstruction, with his friend also facing similar charges.
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Keadsiri claimed during questioning that he was unaware of local customs, citing his time studying abroad. He said he aimed to bring joy during a difficult period. However, rapper Thanayut Na Ayutthaya criticized such behavior, stating that those creating viral content should focus on helping rather than exploiting crises.
The Bangkok North Municipal Court sentenced Keadsiri to one month in prison and a 10,000 baht fine, which was reduced to 15 days and 5,000 baht after he pleaded guilty. His sentence was suspended for a year, and he will be placed on probation. Authorities seized the jet ski and plan to seek its forfeiture.
Floodwaters have overwhelmed large parts of the city, with rainfall exceeding 300mm over three days—half of London’s annual average. Over 500,000 homes and 1.7 million people across 41 provinces remain affected, according to Thailand’s interior ministry. Residents have resorted to using inflatable pools and shopping carts to navigate waist-deep water, while canals have overflowed, flooding homes and businesses.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
