Authorities in Phu Quoc City have summoned a foreign tourist for questioning after a video surfaced showing him riding a motorbike without a helmet and allowing a young child to steer while the vehicle was in motion - an incident that sparked public outrage.

On May 19, local officials from Duong To Commune (Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province) confirmed they had identified and called in the individual seen violating traffic laws in a clip that recently circulated on social media.

The 9-second video, recorded on Tran Hung Dao Street in Duong To, shows a foreign man riding a motorbike with both hands off the handlebars, allowing a small child to control the vehicle. The man was not wearing a helmet, and the bike appeared to be traveling at a regular pace on a public road.

The footage quickly attracted attention, with many viewers expressing concern over the blatant disregard for traffic laws and the potential danger to both the rider and others on the road.

Authorities also cited a separate incident on May 4 on route DT 973 in Bai Thom Commune, where another foreign tourist was recorded riding a motorbike without a helmet and with both hands off the handlebars.

Following an investigation, police identified the rider as a 45-year-old Russian national. He later admitted to the violation and was issued an administrative penalty.

According to Kien Giang Provincial Police, Phu Quoc’s growing popularity among international tourists has brought an increase in traffic violations by visitors. Many tourists rent motorbikes for convenience and affordability but often lack a valid Vietnamese driver's license. Some have never operated a motorbike before, while others are unfamiliar with local traffic laws.

Common violations include riding without helmets, running red lights, lane violations, and driving under the influence.

“Rental services must verify customers' licenses and ensure they are valid for the type of vehicle rented in Vietnam,” provincial police warned. They emphasized that both renters and service providers share responsibility for ensuring safe and legal vehicle use on local roads.

Tran Tuyen