British tourist, 24, was arrested in Phuket after a viral video showed him driving a yellow Jeep on a traffic island during heavy congestion, urinating on a public road, and later testing positive for yaba, leading to drug, DUI and indecency charges.
A British tourist was arrested in Phuket last weekend on public indecency and drug charges after a two-day spree that alarmed local residents. The 24-year-old was seen driving a vehicle along the grass verge of a traffic island on a main road and later urinating on the highway. When police finally stopped him, he tested negative for alcohol but positive for yaba, a form of methamphetamine.
A British man of Irish descent was arrested in Phuket afterwards, following a series of traffic and drug-related offences that therefore drew widespread public attention. The suspect was identified by police as Lee Terry O’Brien, aged 24. Subsequently, the arrest followed the circulation of viral images and video footage online.
During this period, the incident occurred over the weekend of January 10 and 11, 2023. At that time, footage showed O’Brien driving a yellow off-road Jeep on a raised traffic island. Specifically, the location was Thepkasattri Road in the Thalang district. Notably, the road is one of Phuket’s main arteries. Meanwhile, traffic was heavy at the time.
In the video, the Jeep was seen travelling along the grass-covered traffic island rather than the carriageway. In doing so, the manoeuvre took place during congestion. At the same time, several passengers were visible inside the vehicle. As observed, they appeared to be filming and reacting loudly. Overall, the footage suggested reckless driving conditions.
Viral video shows British man driving a jeep on Phuket traffic island during heavy congestion periods
The video was first shared by the local news outlet Newshawk Phuket. It was later reposted widely across social media platforms. Public reaction was swift. Many viewers criticised the behaviour. The footage prompted complaints to local police.
Further allegations emerged after the video spread. A Thai woman commented under the post. She claimed the driver also urinated on the road during the traffic jam. She later uploaded a photograph. The image showed a man standing beside the vehicle while urinating on the roadway.
Another social media user reported additional behaviour earlier the same day. The commenter stated that the same vehicle had been travelling at high speed. The report said the driver nearly lost control while navigating a curve on the same road. No collision was reported.
On Sunday, January 11, officers from Thalang Police Station located the same Jeep. The vehicle was again travelling on Thepkasattri Road. At that time, O’Brien was accompanied by five friends. Police stopped the vehicle due to the earlier-reported traffic violation.
Online backlash grows after footage and photos allege urination, speeding and reckless driving
Officers conducted standard roadside testing. A breathalyser test showed no alcohol in O’Brien’s system. A drug screening test was also carried out. The test returned a positive result for methamphetamine. The drug is locally known as Yaba.
Following the test results, O’Brien was taken into custody. Police confirmed he admitted to using Yaba. The substance is classified as a Category 1 narcotic under Thai law. Possession and use are criminal offences.
Police formally charged O’Brien with three offences. The first charge was driving under the influence of intoxicating substances. This falls under Section 43(1) of the Land Transport Act. The offence carries a penalty of up to one year in prison. It also carries a fine ranging from ฿5,000 to ฿20,000. The court may impose both penalties.
The second charge was drug use under Section 162 of the Narcotics Act. This relates to the consumption of a Category 1 drug. The offence is punishable by up to one year in prison. It also carries a fine of up to ฿20,000. The penalties may be combined.
Drug test finds yaba use as police lay multiple charges under transport, narcotics and criminal law
The third charge was public indecency. This offence falls under Section 388 of the Criminal Law. It carries a maximum fine of ฿5,000. The charge relates to the act of urinating on a public road.
Police confirmed that O’Brien remains subject to the Thai legal process. Presently, there is no court outcome yet reported. Significantly, no injuries were reported in connection with the incidents. In addition, no property damage was recorded.
The case drew strong reactions online. Many comments criticised the conduct shown in the footage. Some users raised concerns about road safety. Others pointed to repeated incidents involving foreign visitors.
Phuket has experienced sustained growth in its foreign population in recent years. Since 2022, the island has seen a significant increase in Russian and Ukrainian nationals. Many arrived to escape the conflict in Eastern Europe. Long-term stays by foreign nationals have become more common.
Growing foreign population and tourism coincide with repeated traffic offences on Phuket roads
At the same time, Phuket remains a popular destination for young visitors from Western countries. Many seek employment or extended stays. The island’s beaches and climate are major attractions. Tourism remains a central part of the local economy.
Traffic incidents involving foreign nationals have previously drawn attention. In similar cases, foreign motorcyclists were filmed making illegal U-turns on traffic islands. Those incidents also circulated online.
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Local police have not announced any broader enforcement changes following this arrest. Authorities have not released further statements on O’Brien’s case. The investigation is being handled by Thalang Police Station. It is understood he is being held there pending an appearance before Phuket Provincial Court. The charges will undoubtedly lead to his deportation from Thailand, but may also see him serve time in prison on the island.
The incident adds to a series of publicly documented traffic violations on the island. Phuket’s roads are among the busiest and deadliest in southern Thailand. Traffic congestion is common, especially during peak tourism periods. Police continue to urge compliance with traffic laws.
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Further reading:
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