Photo via TikTok/ @lionqueenzyy

 

An ice cream vendor in Phuket sparked debate among Thai netizens after giving two foreign men a free ride on his cart. The incident was captured on a video shared by TikTok user @lionqueenzyy on September 25 with the caption, “Thai people are very kind.” The gesture led to mixed reactions online.

 

The video showed one foreigner seated beside the ice cream box, while the other sat with the vendor. Although many found the scene amusing and praised the vendor's generosity, some argued that foreign tourists should rely on local transport services to support residents' income. Concerns were also raised about road safety and potential accidents if passengers fell from the cart.

 

User comments reflected the divided opinions: some viewed it as a lighthearted act unique to Thailand, while others worried it might set a precedent for tourists seeking free rides. Critics emphasized the importance of supporting local transport providers to avoid undermining their livelihoods.

 

This incident mirrors a previous case where a tourist rode a motorcycle dragging suitcases instead of using a taxi, leading to criticism of tourists opting for the cheapest transport options. Such behavior drew concerns about safety and the impact on local businesses.

 

Looking forward, the incident highlights the delicate balance between hospitality and supporting local economic activities. Experts suggest clearer guidelines for tourist interactions with local vendors, ensuring safety and fairness. Vendors may need guidance on responsible engagement with tourists, balancing kindness with commercial considerations.

 

Key Takeaways

• The vendor's gesture received both praise and criticism from Thai netizens.
• Concerns included undermining local transport and potential safety risks.
• The incident reflects ongoing discussions about tourist behavior in Thailand.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-29

 

 

Netizien's must be driving about with their eyes shut just seen a M/C with the usual bicycle wheel sidecar with an armchair and sofa carrying 3 passengers and a dog 🐶 🤔

Cheap lowlife backpackers taking advantage

Those hooligans had their hats on backwards, how dare they......

Tikky-Takky = inflooenza. Just what TAT is encouraging....Chang singlets, dirty shorts & flip-flops. Buy their beers @ 7/11 & sleep 5 to a room. Quality.🙃🙃

1 minute ago, EVENKEEL said:

Those hooligans had their hats on backwards, how dare they......

Hey..it was cool 40 years ago but only in Amurica.🙃🙃

5 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

Hey..it was cool 40 years ago but only in Amurica.🙃🙃

America is a trend setter, always has been, always will.

8 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

Hey..it was cool 40 years ago but only in Amurica.🙃🙃

 

Oh, the same as Benny Hill then?

 

 

No need for a free ride.

 

Why not just call the city's garbage collector?

 

Don't local people pay taxes to have Garbage Trucks perform garbage collection?

 

Just another case of the dregs of other countries washing up on our shores here, In Thailand.

 

Incident??? Just a friendly Thai who like to help these tourists.. The netizens who complained are just foreign people haters and they should be shut up, as they damage the tourist industry much more than they think... Thai people are friendly but these complainers should be ignored

"others worried it might set a precedent for tourists seeking free rides" is simply ridiculous. Let's hope these guys at least bought an icecream.

Too many Karen's in this world who need to take a spiritual dump.

Hopefully this vendor doesnt go online and see the mundane criticisms that people have, we need more people like this

35 minutes ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

Oh, the same as Benny Hill then?

 

Correct.🙃🙃

39 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

America is a trend setter, always has been, always will.

Oh the pain, the pain.🙃🙃

In NYC....This Is How We Do....

 

Those "tourists" should be bagged and taken away.

 

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

America is a trend setter, always has been, always will.

Very possible, but not always for the better!

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The video showed one foreigner seated beside the ice cream box, while the other sat with the vendor. Although many found the scene amusing and praised the vendor's generosity, some argued that foreign tourists should rely on local transport services to support residents' income.

Some people should get a life... the vendor was just doing a good deed.

A much better option than bankrolling the Taxi cartels that operate in Phuket and Koh Samui, in particular.

15 minutes ago, Rookie123 said:

A much better option than bankrolling the Taxi cartels that operate in Phuket and Koh Samui, in particular.

Indeed, those will be the ones complaining, afraid they might lose 1 baht. Considering the prices charged for transport in Phuket, I would call it profiteering.

2 hours ago, Lucky Bones said:

Tikky-Takky = inflooenza. Just what TAT is encouraging....Chang singlets, dirty shorts & flip-flops. Buy their beers @ 7/11 & sleep 5 to a room. Quality.🙃🙃

No lucky, the fellow on the left was wearing lace up tanny runners, or felony flyers as you wish.  Please remember facts matter, as a matter of fact. Just don't go down a rathole.

Send these Bogans back to Bali!

2 minutes ago, Rumpelstilskin said:

No lucky, the fellow on the left was wearing lace up tanny runners, or felony flyers as you wish.  Please remember facts matter, as a matter of fact. Just don't go down a rathole.

Sounds like Amurican clobber he was wearing eh? The rats help keep the soi dogs & tourists away. 🙃🙃

Kind of the plastic owl effect...but working so far. Yes, they have that Emericant look.

7 hours ago, JoePai said:

Cheap lowlife backpackers taking advantage

Trainee base jumpers about to practice landing.

7 hours ago, Surasak said:

Very possible, but not always for the better!

Agree. Look what happened after they left Vietnam in 1975