10-9-2024 (BANGKOK) Popular YouTube streamer IShowSpeed found himself at the centre of an embarrassing incident during his recent visit to Thailand. The American content creator, known for his energetic personality and often controversial antics, inadvertently drove a tuk-tuk into a temple wall on Monday (9 Sept), causing damage and cultural offence.
The mishap occurred during a live-streamed broadcast that has since amassed over 4.3 million views. The four-hour stream, which showcased various tourist activities including Muay Thai training and traditional Thai massages, took an unexpected turn when Speed decided to try his hand at driving a tuk-tuk – a popular three-wheeled vehicle synonymous with Southeast Asian streets.
IShowSpeed loses control and crashes a tuk tuk in Thailand
pic.twitter.com/62uBTiFluT— SNOOPPCAT (@Snooppcat_xx) September 9, 2024
Despite receiving a brief tutorial from a local driver, with translation assistance from a friend, Speed’s attempt at operating the vehicle quickly went awry. Moments after setting off, the streamer panicked, struggling to locate the brakes. In a heart-stopping moment, he accelerated directly into a nearby temple wall, bringing the tuk-tuk to an abrupt halt.
Visibly shaken and winded from the impact, Speed spent several minutes recovering before addressing the situation. “I gotta pay this dude,” he remarked, referring to the tuk-tuk’s rightful driver.
The incident’s repercussions extended beyond mere property damage. Speed and his entourage were informed that they had inadvertently committed a cultural faux pas by failing to pay proper respects to the temple deities before engaging in activities on the grounds. A monk who approached the group explained the oversight, leading to a meeting with the temple’s abbot. In a gesture of contrition, the group prostrated themselves and offered apologies for the damage and disrespect caused.
While awaiting the arrival of the tuk-tuk owner’s superior to assess the damage, Speed and his companions sought to maintain viewer engagement by visiting a nearby Muay Thai gym. The streamer participated in light sparring sessions and interacted with local children and fans, one of whom presented him with a box of KFC fried chicken – a humorous nod to Western fast food culture in the heart of Thailand.
Best moments of IShowSpeed in Thailand ????????
1. Speed walks into a Muay Thai gym and spars with a fighter. ????
2. Speed tried to ride a tuktuk and got into an accident. ????
3. Speed ate a seasoned scorpion. ????
4. Speed rode an elephant and almost fell from it. ???? pic.twitter.com/aORCAXUR5T
— ZDragon (@IBZDRAGON) September 9, 2024
The financial consequences of Speed’s misadventure were significant. The group was ultimately charged 17,900 baht (approximately US$530) for the damage to the tuk-tuk. Despite the setback, the resilient streamer boarded another tuk-tuk to continue his Thai escapades, albeit this time as a passenger rather than a driver.
