Police in Patong, Phuket, arrested a group of foreign tourists after they used water guns to spray officers on duty during Songkran celebrations, an act seen as going beyond festive behaviour and posing a risk of injury.
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The incident came to light on 14 April 2026 after videos circulated widely on social media. The footage showed officers from Patong Police Station attempting to carry out their duties at a coordination tent in Patong municipality when they were targeted by dozens of tourists on 13 April 2026.
In the first clips, a large group of foreign tourists are seen repeatedly firing high-pressure water guns at police officers stationed at the Songkran festival site. Officers are forced to run for cover to avoid potential harm.
A second clip, filmed from inside a vehicle, captures another angle of the same group surrounding and spraying the officers. The intensity and coordinated nature of the water spraying suggested deliberate targeting rather than typical festival play.
Picture courtesy of ThaiRath
A third clip shows police officers pursuing and arresting those involved. The suspects were subsequently taken into custody at Patong Police Station for legal proceedings.
Authorities indicated the actions exceeded acceptable Songkran conduct and could have caused injury to officers performing official duties. The behaviour was described as intentional and disruptive, particularly given the number of individuals involved.
The incident has raised concerns about maintaining safety and order during large-scale festival events, especially in major tourist destinations like Patong. ThaiRath reported that police are expected to proceed with legal action against those detained, while continuing to monitor festival activities to ensure public safety throughout the remaining Songkran period.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 15 Apr 2026