Pol Lt Col Chamnan Sapsin of the Patong Traffic Police told The Phuket News that the foreign tourists caught in the operation were fined B1,000 each for operating the vehicles without the correct licence.
The motorbike rental operators were fined B2,000 each, Lt Col Chamnan confirmed.
“Right now, the motorbikes are now gradually being returned to the shop owners. We are contacting vehicle owners to collect their bikes and pay fines,” he said.
“Despite the ongoing enforcement, there is currently no order to shut down any rental shops. Instead, Patong Police are only fining rental owners,” he added.
The campaign against reckless driving by foreign tourists on motorbikes is continuing, Lt Col Chamnan said.
“We [Patong Police] catch at least 10 unlicensed riders per shift, bringing the daily total to 20,” he explained.