A hotel in Phuket has issued a safety alert following an incident where a foreign man was seen on CCTV entering the reception area in the early morning and taking items from a drawer. The incident occurred at 03:07, with the man accessing the hotel lobby, moving behind the reception desk, and removing documents and property. The situation was disrupted when a female staff member confronted the man, causing him to leave immediately.
Get today's headlines by email 
The suspect seemed to have taken money, according to online comments on the footage. This was interrupted by the arrival of a staff member, reportedly a Myanmar national, who challenged the individual. The event has triggered significant online attention, raising concerns about hotel security and employee safety, especially for those working night shifts alone.
Public reactions emphasized the risks posed by unattended reception areas at night and the insufficient security measures in place. Commenters urged hotel operators to enhance security protocols to safeguard both property and staff. There were also calls for the victim to report the incident to the police and pursue legal action against the suspect.
Moving forward, the hotel is expected to review its security arrangements and possibly implement stricter measures to prevent such incidents. Increased security presence during night hours and improved surveillance could be potential strategies. The incident serves as a reminder to hospitality operators across regions to re-evaluate their safety practices to protect their premises and employees, reported Khaosod.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 17 Mar 2026