A man who rode a jet ski at high speed and performed drifting stunts on a flooded street in central Bangkok has been given a suspended prison sentence by a Thai court.
According to Thai media outlets and the Bangkok Post on the 28th, Son Ketsiri, 28, rode a jet ski at high speed a day earlier through a flooded stretch of New Petchaburi Road in Bangkok. Heavy rain had left the road under water, and residents hit by the flooding as well as vehicles were nearby at the time.
Video circulating online shows Son riding a white-and-green jet ski along the submerged road. After accelerating, he swung the machine into sharp turns to perform drifts. The waves the jet ski threw up spread widely, splashing homes and structures along the road.
Local media reported that residents suffered property damage from the waves. The extent of the damage and the identities of those affected have not been confirmed.
The video drew mounting criticism as it spread online. Critics said it was inappropriate to obstruct other people's movement and stir up waves while flood damage was continuing.
As the controversy grew, Son and the companions who filmed the video reported to police. Officers accused him of causing harm to others in a public place and of obstructing traffic. The person who filmed the video was accused of aiding the offense. Police seized the jet ski and asked the court to confiscate it.
Son told police he had not properly understood that his actions could be a problem, according to reports. He explained that he had studied abroad and was unfamiliar with conditions and culture in Thailand, and that he had intended to bring a smile to people in difficult circumstances.
The court decided otherwise. The Bangkok North Criminal Court on the 28th initially sentenced Son to one month in prison and a fine of 10,000 baht (about 400,000 won), then reduced it to 15 days and 5,000 baht (about 200,000 won) in consideration of his confession. The prison term was suspended for one year, with one year of probation.
The court also ordered him to report three times during his probation and to perform 12 hours of community service. The jet ski used in the offense was confiscated.
Bangkok has seen flooding across parts of the city in recent days amid continuing heavy rain. Local reports said roads in some areas were submerged, leaving vehicles stranded. The jet ski video was filmed against that backdrop, fueling the outcry.
