140 street racers sent to prison

The 140 racers - among around 300 arrested late on Sunday night - were found guilty of holding and participating in an illegal motorcycle race in public, on Rama 6 Road. None of their sentences was suspended. The court confiscated six motorcycles used in the race.

After the verdict, a throng of parents rushed to apply for bail for their children, causing chaos. Those who did not ask for bail were later detained at Pathum Thani Detention Centre.

The case officer, Colonel Mana Phochuay, said 90 racers who confessed were released on bail on Sunday. Another 108 street racers under 18 were sent to juvenile remand homes, pending trial at the Children and Family Court for organising or joining in illegal motorcycle racing on public routes.

Mana said the suspects who had 85 yaba tablets in their car would also face legal action.

Metropolitan Police Area 1 acting commander Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano had also instructed officers to check if any parents of the suspects had neglected their children or encouraged them to take part in street racing to see if they could be punished. They face three months in jail and/or a Bt30,000 fine under the Child Protection Act.

He urged officers to attach the details of several repeat offenders in the reports submitted to the court, so they could receive the severest punishment possible.

The Nation