Phuket Tourist Rides Motorized Suitcase on Road, Sparking Safety Concerns

A video clip showing a female tourist riding a motorized suitcase down a road in Phuket, Thailand, has gone viral, sparking widespread concern about the potential for a car accident, TV Channel 7 reported this morning (Aug. 4). The unidentified tourist, of unknown nationality, was filmed calmly riding her motorized suitcase down the road, waiting for traffic lights to change, and crossing to the other side, heading towards Kata beach in Karon subdistrict, Mueang district. Many expressed concern about her safety, pointing out that the road is usually busy with heavy traffic, including cars, motorcycles, and buses passing throughout the day. While it was not particularly congested at the time the tourist chose to ride on her suitcase rather than walk on the footpath, her behavior poses a high risk of an accident. Residents and onlookers warned all tourists that using a suitcase as a means of transportation on the road is unsafe and can lead to loss of balance, falling, or serious injury if hit by a passing vehicle. They also urged relevant agencies, hotel operators, and tourism businesses to address this issue by continuously promoting and providing safety advice to foreign tourists, especially regarding road safety in Thailand, in order to prevent accidents and create an image of safe tourism in Phuket. Electric rideable suitcases have been around for a few years and have become popular in some countries as a way to get around large airports. Most models have a top speed of around 13 km/h and are powered by a lithium battery. In the UK, motorized suitcases are classified as 'powered transporters' and fall under the same rules as e-scooters, segways, and hoverboards under the Road Traffic Act. Riding them on public roads without a license and safety equipment, or on pavements or cycle lanes, is illegal and can result in punishment. Top and Front Page: Screen grab image of the woman tourist riding her motorised suitcase on a Phuket road. Photo – TV Channel 7 Video shared on Facebook by Hod Chang Changwat Phuket: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HXtuNAUVQ/