23-8-2024 (BANGKOK) A young woman’s unconventional mode of transport has ignited a fierce debate about road safety and personal mobility in the Thai capital. The incident, which occurred on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Don Mueang Airport, has left Bangkokians both amused and concerned.
Footage captured by a passing motorist and shared on Facebook by user Social Hunter 2022 shows a female traveller navigating the bustling thoroughfare atop a light pink electric suitcase. The rider, clad in all black save for a tiger-print waistband, was seen effortlessly gliding along the road whilst simultaneously dragging a large black suitcase and operating her mobile phone.
The video quickly went viral, amassing thousands of shares and comments from netizens across Thailand. Many expressed alarm at the apparent disregard for personal safety, with one commenter noting, “It’s a miracle she hasn’t been in an accident yet. This is incredibly dangerous!”
Others, however, praised the woman’s ingenuity and confidence. “She’s living in 3024 while we’re stuck in 2024,” quipped one Facebook user.
The incident took an unexpected turn when the electric suitcase momentarily lost balance near a bus stop opposite Don Mueang Airport. Undeterred, the rider deftly dismounted, righted her unconventional vehicle, and continued on her journey as if nothing had occurred.
This episode has reignited discussions about the regulation of personal mobility devices on Bangkok’s notoriously congested roads. Transport safety expert Dr Somchai Phuangchat of Chulalongkorn University weighed in on the matter, stating, “While innovative transport solutions are welcome, they must not come at the cost of public safety. We need clear guidelines on what constitutes acceptable use of our roadways.”
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has yet to comment on the incident, but sources suggest that city officials are reviewing existing traffic laws to address the growing prevalence of electric personal mobility devices.
