Foreign beggar accused of spitting at Phuket worker

A Thai travel agency worker in Patong has alleged that a foreign woman spat at her after being told to stop asking customers for money near the business.

The confrontation was reported to have taken place at about midnight on August 16 at a travel and tour agency in Soi Saen Sabai, Patong. Phuket Times published CCTV footage of the incident on August 17.

What the footage was said to show

According to Phuket Times and ThaiRath, a group of foreign beggars, said to be from Middle Eastern countries, have regularly walked along Soi Saen Sabai with a child, asking foreign tourists for money.

On the night in question, one woman from the group allegedly walked up to the travel agency and approached customers seeking cash. A Thai employee asked her to stop, reportedly saying the behaviour was disturbing customers.

Picture and video courtesy of Phuket Times

Phuket Times said the woman became angry, went to the counter and pointed at the employee while swearing. She allegedly told the worker to mind her own business before spitting at her and leaving the office.

The employee then told a colleague about the alleged assault. The colleague went to the area carrying a chair, for self defence, but the group had already left, according to the reports.

No police complaint reported

There have been no reports of a police complaint or legal action arising from the incident. The identities and nationalities of those involved have not been disclosed, and police had not issued a statement on the case.

The incident has prompted discussion on Thai social media, where some users said begging is illegal in Thailand and called for police and local officials to act.

Other users said they had encountered the same, or a similar, group of foreign beggars and alleged that they had been asked for money and food.

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18 August 2026