Chiang Mai riders face online backlash over motorcycles parked on pavement

CHIANG MAI — 19 October 2026, A group of food delivery riders in Chiang Mai has drawn heavy online criticism after photos appeared to show motorcycles parked on a public pavement, accompanied by a defiant message challenging people who objected to their gathering.

The controversy erupted after a post in a Chiang Mai riders’ Facebook group showed several young men, most wearing green jackets associated with a major food delivery platform, gathered beside their motorcycles on a roadside pavement at night.

The caption read: “We’re gathering, not killing anyone. We’re not asking you to feed us, so why are you so bothered?”

The post triggered a wave of criticism, with commenters arguing that parking motorcycles on a pavement obstructs pedestrians and may violate traffic regulations.

Some users also alleged that members of the group rode modified motorcycles with noisy exhausts and revved their engines late at night, disturbing nearby residents. Other complaints concerned alleged littering and smoking in public areas.

Commenters said such behaviour could damage Chiang Mai’s reputation as a tourist destination and reflect badly on other delivery riders who work responsibly. Some also argued that blocking public walkways and creating excessive noise infringes on other people’s rights, regardless of whether anyone is physically harmed.

Online users have called on Chang Phueak Police Station and the Department of Land Transport to investigate the gathering, including the reported parking on pavements and motorcycles allegedly modified to produce excessive noise.

Nimman Soi 7 was cited as one area where authorities were urged to inspect, amid concerns about the impact on residents and tourists.

As of the report, no official enforcement action or police findings had been confirmed. The allegations concerning modified motorcycles and other disruptive behaviour remain unverified.