“Vanz” Phenomenon

Vanz behavior or behavior of male teenagers who like to increase speed of their illegally modified motorcycles in order to make a loud noise “Vanz” and illegally race on public roads at night is a social phenomenon in Thailand. This phenomenon is an infringement of human rights, social order and laws because it interrupts and harms to other people and property. 

This problem is seriously being solved by law enforcement; however, it cannot be solved by law enforcement only because it is social pathology which needs an understanding of problem system, cause and social impact.

The research result suggests that Vanz is a social combination of teenagers to form their social identity and social space. This behavior can reflect myth or false consciousness of teenagers by creating social recognition and identity, for example, trying to be outstanding person in order to get female teenagers’ attention, without paying attention and taking responsibility to society.

While the above problem is continuing, Vanz gangs have their own self concept that their behavior is not a problem or an infliction. Moreover, there are several kinds of Vanz behavior, such as showing illegally modified motorcycles, riding for social combination, illegally racing for attention and racing for betting. Therefore, an overall understanding of this phenomenon is needed in order to know and categorize teenagers into problem group and risk group. Also, the problem is multi-facet which cannot be solved by only one solution.

Therefore, the problem should be clearly understood and target groups of problem solving should be clearly categorized. Guidelines to solve the problem should be various strategies which are designed by participation of concerned organizations and their awareness. Traffic regulations must be strict and be the same standard. The concerned organizations should collaborate to prevent, support, enhance and suppress the problem.