Police in Phuket have arrested two foreign tourists after a video showing a lewd act on a tuk-tuk in Patong spread widely on social media, prompting swift legal action and concerns over the island’s tourism image. The incident, which occurred at about 05:00 on 3 May 2026, drew strong public criticism and triggered a joint response from police and immigration authorities.
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The individuals were identified as Ruben, 41, a Spanish national, and Cinthia, 43, a Peruvian national. Footage showed the woman performing a sexual act on the man while on a tuk-tuk in a public area in Patong, Kathu district. The clip circulated online, with many users criticising the behaviour as inappropriate and damaging to Phuket’s reputation as a major tourist destination.
Following orders from senior immigration officials, Phuket Immigration worked with investigators from Patong Police Station to locate the pair. They were tracked down and brought in for questioning. When presented with the video evidence, both admitted they were the individuals in the footage.
Police charged them with committing an indecent act in public by exposing the body or engaging in obscene behaviour before the public. Legal proceedings under Thai law were completed, authorities said. Officials stressed that such conduct violates both legal standards and cultural norms, particularly in high-visibility tourist areas.
Immigration authorities also confirmed that the pair would be deported from Thailand and that steps were being taken to place them on a blacklist to prevent future entry. The action was taken on the grounds that their behaviour caused damage to the country’s tourism image and public morality.
Officials reiterated that strict measures will be enforced against tourists whose actions disrupt public order or harm the reputation of key destinations such as Phuket. They urged all visitors to respect Thai laws, regulations and cultural expectations during their stay.
Thaitabloid reported that authorities said enforcement efforts would continue to focus on maintaining appropriate conduct in tourist hotspots, with rapid responses to incidents that gain public attention. The case is expected to serve as a warning to other visitors about the consequences of inappropriate behaviour in public spaces.
Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 6 May 2026
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