Three dine-and-dash incidents involving foreign tourists have been reported in Phuket, sparking concerns among local businesses and calls for action from authorities. The incidents occurred around the same time, involving tactics from placing insects in food to using fake transfer receipts, prompting business owners to seek police intervention.
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The first incident took place on May 2, when two foreign customers allegedly placed an insect in their meal at a restaurant, demanding a free meal. The owner, who has run her restaurant for over 20 years without such complaints, reviewed CCTV footage and suspected the insect was placed by the customers, as it appeared intact and dried.
On the same day, another foreign couple allegedly used a fake money transfer receipt to skip payment at various food stalls, including a restaurant in Patong where they departed hastily after presenting the counterfeit proof of payment. It’s unclear if any legal action has been pursued by the affected businesses.
The third report, shared on social media, highlighted a foreign couple refusing to pay at a street food stall. Witnesses captured a video showing the male suspect acting aggressively and spitting at the vendors, while the woman made offensive gestures before leaving. Locals and business operators are urging the authorities to take swift legal action as the suspects were clearly recorded on CCTV.
As investigations are ongoing, there have been no updates from police on the identification or arrest of the individuals involved in these dine-and-dash incidents.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 04 Mar 2026
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