The sentencing follows the group running a police checkpoint at about 1:14am on Monday (Jan 27), confirmed a public statement by Kamala Police.
The group approached the Naka checkpoint on motorbikes. Instead of stopping as ordered by police, they rode through the checkpoint and fled the scene.
A video of the incident was posted online, causing much anger among local residents, with many Thais saying they were tired of such behaviour by tourists.
Officers were able to track down and later apprehend the suspects. They were charged with driving without regard for safety and failing to comply with a police officer’s order, said the Kamala Police.
The operation to track down the group was carried out under the direction of Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Col Sinlert Sukhum, and Deputy Commanders Pol Col Thirawat Liamsuwan and Pol Col Akanit Danpitaksan, said the Kamala Police report.
The team assigned the task comprised officers from Kamala Police, Phuket Immigration and the Crime Suppression Division, the report added.
In addition to the suspended prison sentence and fine, the court ordered the confiscation of the motorcycles used in the offense. Three individuals specifically identified as violating the checkpoint order were fined an additional B1,500 each, the report noted.
Unlike most police reports, the Kamala Police report did not identify the nationality of the tourists charged.
Kamala Police urged hotel and vehicle rental operators to strictly enforce traffic laws, ensuring that renters have valid driver’s licenses. They also encouraged anyone aware of traffic violations to report them to Kamala Police Station at 076-385310.