Police arrested a Thai man in Chiang Mai after he posted a video of himself and a friend riding electric unicycles downhill on a public road from Doi Suthep Mountain, prompting debate over road safety and traffic laws.
The man shared the footage on Facebook on Saturday, October 17, with a caption describing the pair as a duo with a 20-year age gap who shared the youthful spirit of 14 year olds.
The video showed both men riding electric unicycles on the left side of the road descending from Doi Suthep, a popular tourist attraction in Chiang Mai. Both wore safety equipment throughout the journey.
The riders appeared to travel at considerable speed on the downhill stretch, passing a foreign pedestrian walking along the road as cars travelled in the adjacent lane. At one bend, the rider in front extended both arms to maintain his balance.
The pair reached their destination safely, according to the footage. However, the video sparked debate on social media over whether their activity endangered themselves and other road users.
Some Chiang Mai residents called on national park rangers and relevant officials to clarify whether electric unicycles were permitted on the road. Others argued that the riders were taking risks themselves, while critics said pedestrians and motorists could also be endangered.
According to Chiang Mai News, officers from Bhubingrajanivej Police Station arrested one rider, identified as Chia, at his home in San Sai district and seized his unicycle as evidence.
Police reportedly said the vehicle had no registration plate or signal lights, creating potential risks for the riders and other road users. Officers said the conduct breached Land Traffic laws, although the report did not specify the precise offence or potential penalty.
The riders may also face further scrutiny over another video reportedly showing them riding electric unicycles on a trail inside Huay Nam Dang National Park. The route was described in the report as reserved for pedestrians, but it remains unclear whether any additional charges have been filed over that incident.
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