Tourist Tries to Impress Lady in Phuket, Crashes Head-First Into Pharmacy Glass Wall
What was meant to be a macho moment turned into an epic fail, as a 24-year-old tourist in Phuket attempted to show off his motorcycle skills — only to crash spectacularly through the glass front of an HDB-style drugstore.
The man, later identified as Mr Salam Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates, had been revving his motorcycle outside Earth Pharmacy in Patong, trying to catch the attention of a woman nearby. Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite according to plan. In fact, they went headlong into disaster — literally
Wheelie Gone Wrong: Crash Caught on CCTV
According to Thai news outlet Channel 7, the incident occurred on 18 July around 3pm. CCTV footage shows Mr Ahmed on his motorbike in front of the store. After a few seconds of aggressive revving, he appeared to attempt a wheelie — but instead of lifting the bike smoothly, he lost control and accelerated straight into the storefront.
The glass shattered dramatically as the motorcycle slammed into the pharmacy counter. Mr Ahmed was flung off and ended up bleeding heavily, a pool of blood forming under his legs. Onlookers rushed to his aid as staff called for emergency services. First responders quickly arrived to stabilise him and transport him to a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses later said the man had been trying to “impress a pretty woman” who walked into the pharmacy moments earlier. She reportedly ignored his advances, which only seemed to push him into showboat mode. “Aiyo, like that also want to act cool ah?” said one online commenter. “End up become live stunt show.”
S$2,000 in Damages, Plus a Bruised Ego
The pharmacy owner estimated the damage at around ฿50,000 (roughly S$2,000). To his credit, Mr Ahmed was cooperative and agreed to foot the bill in full.
Netizens across Southeast Asia had a field day with the footage, which quickly went viral on Facebook and TikTok. Some joked that this was a “romantic stunt gone sideways”, while others criticised the recklessness. “Cannot ride properly still want to impress girls… next time just buy flowers lah,” one Singaporean user commented.
While there were no serious injuries reported beyond the cuts and bruises, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about letting ego take the handlebars — especially in a foreign country.
The damaged storefront has since been cordoned off for repairs, and Mr Ahmed, though embarrassed, is reportedly recovering well. As for the woman he was trying to impress? Let’s just say she walked away unimpressed — and unscathed.
Tourists Reminded to Observe Local Laws & Safety
Phuket authorities have reminded tourists to exercise caution, particularly when operating rental vehicles. Motorcycle accidents involving foreigners are not uncommon in Thailand, especially in tourist hotspots like Patong.
So the next time you think about revving your engine to impress someone? Just remember: sometimes, cool can become clown in a matter of seconds. Better to ride safe and keep your dignity — and the storefront — intact.