Phuket authorities have reported that more than 500 motorbike accidents on the island in the last two months involved foreign tourists. Phuket’s Vice-Governor stated that many of the accidents occurred because tourists rented motorbikes without valid licences and lacked familiarity with the roads. He also added that some tourists drove at high speed while wearing swimwear, which is not recommended. Authorities have also highlighted the ongoing issue of bike rental companies renting bikes to tourists without the appropriate licences. The Phuket Tourist Police have previously reminded rental companies that renters must hold a licence that is specifically valid for driving a motorbike.

Our Take

Man, this just goes to show the risks of renting a bike over here. I mean seriously… if you break it down, that’s about eight foreigners per day that are getting into motorbike accidents on Phuket alone. I’m not advising against riding or anything like that… at the end of the day, it’s a great (and cheap) way to get around and explore Thailand (especially the Islands), but I do feel that it’s important to understand the risks associated with it. At the end of the day, just use common sense. Wear a helmet. Avoid riding at night. Don’t speed. Don’t drink and drive. Some of those things are so easy to do over here, but bad things can happen fast on Thai roads, so be extra cautious.