Chiang Mai —
On October 3rd, 2024, Chiang Mai local media reported a Chinese man was seen floating in the strong currents of the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge in Chiang Mai, appearing relaxed as he filmed a video for social media.
Despite the swift current, he seemed unbothered, causing concern among locals who witnessed the incident. A good Samaritan alerted authorities, and the Nakorn Ping Radio Center dispatched officers and rescue teams to assist.
According to the Chiang Mai local media, they successfully rescued the Chinese man near Mengrai Bridge, after he had drifted 3-4 kilometers downstream.
The man was publicly identified as Li Bin, a Chinese tourist. He was taken to Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station where officers from the Immigration Police charged him with “Causing a public nuisance and alarm.”
Li Bin, who reportedly admitted he enjoyed swimming and making content related to water sports for his online audience, was fined the maximum penalty of 5,000 baht.
Officials revealed that Li had pulled a similar stunt on September 25th, when the Ping River was overflowing, causing floods in parts of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai authorities issued a stern warning, highlighting that such dangerous acts could alarm the public and damage Chiang Mai’s tourism image. Li agreed to the fine and promised not to engage in such risky content creation or jump into the Ping River again, according to the police.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
