Sorn Keadsiri, an entertainment company CEO, was sentenced to jail on 28/9 after posting a video of himself riding a jetski on a flooded Bangkok street. The incident, captured on 27/9, occurred on New Phetchaburi Road amidst severe flooding in the capital.
The video showed Sorn, dressed in black and barefoot, navigating a white and blue jetski at high speed. He repeatedly accelerated, steered, and drifted through the submerged road, creating large waves and splashing water.
Sorn Keadsiri rides a jetski on New Phetchaburi Road, Bangkok on 27/9. Video: X/Ploypatcha
The waves reportedly affected pedestrians and on-duty officials. Some media outlets reported the waves damaged a roadside fence. The videographer and foreign friends behind the camera cheered Sorn on, saying, "Excellent! Go straight all the way!"
The video drew widespread criticism on Thai social media, particularly from Bangkok residents enduring the floods. Many questioned Sorn's decision to use a jetski for entertainment instead of aiding those affected. Others argued the act could worsen flooding in the area.
Makkasan Police Station in Ratchathewi district initiated legal action against Sorn and those involved. Sorn and the videographer, identified as Proud, later reported to the police station. Police charged Sorn with public disturbance and obstructing traffic, and Proud with facilitating Sorn's actions.
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Sorn Keadsiri (left) reports to the police station. Photo: Thai Enquirer
On 28/9, the court sentenced Sorn to one month in prison and a 10,000 baht (300 USD) fine. Due to his guilty plea, the court reduced the sentence to 15 days in prison and a 5,000 baht (150 USD) fine. The court suspended Sorn's prison sentence for one year, with probation, requiring him to report three times and perform 12 hours of community service. The court also confiscated the jetski. Proud's penalty remains unknown.
According to Thai media, Sorn, the son of former actress Chamchuree Cherdchoam, is the CEO of an entertainment company. He previously produced a short film about motorsports with support from international automotive businesses and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that by 27/9, floods affected 25 provinces across Thailand. Bangkok was among the worst-hit areas, with flooding submerging all 50 districts and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
By Huyen Le (Source: Thaiger, MGR Online, Thai Enquirer)
