Foreign tourists sparked online backlash after being filmed engaging in a lewd act on a moving taxi along Thaveewong Road in Patong, Phuket, on 3 May, raising concerns over safety and the resort’s image. The clip, widely shared on social media, shows a man and woman behaving in an inappropriate manner while the vehicle was in motion, appearing unconcerned by surrounding traffic. The footage quickly went viral, drawing criticism from local residents and online users.
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The video was first posted by the Facebook page “Expose Phuket”, which highlighted the couple’s behaviour as inappropriate and potentially dangerous. According to the post, the incident took place on Thaveewong Road in Patong, Kathu district, a busy tourist area known for heavy traffic and nightlife. Observers noted that such conduct on a moving vehicle could pose risks not only to those involved but also to other road users.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
The page questioned whether such behaviour represented a small minority of tourists and also raised concerns about the intention behind filming the act. It also suggested that incidents like this could harm the image of Phuket as a tourism destination. The caption accompanying the clip criticised the conduct and called attention to standards expected of visitors.
Reaction online was mixed but largely critical, with many commenters expressing disapproval of the tourists’ actions. Some users argued that the driver should not have allowed such behaviour to take place, while others pointed out the potential safety hazards. A smaller number of viewers treated the incident humorously, focusing on the commentary heard in the video rather than the behaviour itself.
Local sentiment reflects ongoing concerns about maintaining order and safety in high-traffic tourist zones such as Patong. Incidents involving foreign visitors behaving in ways seen as inappropriate or risky often attract widespread attention online, amplifying calls for stricter oversight. Authorities and tourism stakeholders have previously emphasised the importance of preserving the island’s reputation.
Daily News reported that the incident may prompt renewed discussion about enforcement of safety regulations and driver responsibility in Phuket’s transport sector. Officials could face pressure to ensure that similar behaviour is discouraged, particularly in prominent tourist areas. Monitoring of social media incidents is also likely to continue as part of broader efforts to protect the province’s image.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 4 May 2026
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