Picture via Facebook/Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

French tourists allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to alter photos from a Phuket boat trip in order to claim a refund, sparking significant controversy. The Facebook page Phuket Times reported this incident on December 18. The tourists supposedly edited photos to depict the boat as old and poorly maintained, aiming to secure a refund from the travel agency they used.

 

The AI-enhanced images reportedly showed various parts of the boat in disrepair. An inflatable slide appeared worn and damaged; a bathroom seemed filthy, with rubbish strewn about; and one photo showed a mouldy banana. Despite these claims, another image surfaced from the same trip, showing the tourists having a good time on the boat, which throws doubt on their complaints.

 

Picture via Facebook/Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

The travel agency has not provided a response to the refund claim or the trip cost. The company involved has yet to release an official statement regarding the accusations or the status of any refunds given.

 

The revelation incited significant backlash among Thai netizens, with many urging authorities to take legal steps against the tourists for allegedly fabricating their complaints. This deceitful behaviour, many argue, risks tarnishing the image of Phuket's tourism industry, which is known for its hospitality and beauty.

 

Local business owners echoed these concerns, sharing personal experiences in the comment section. One hotel owner recounted a similar case of French guests demanding a refund despite satisfactory service. Another hotel operator revealed a case where guests departed without settling a bill and later left a negative online review.

 

The issue appears to be more widespread, with a Thai restaurant owner also commenting on foreign customers falsely claiming dissatisfaction in order to obtain refunds. These incidents underline the challenges faced by tourism operators in distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent complaints, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• French tourists allegedly used AI to doctor photos from a Phuket trip.
• Contradictory images present them enjoying the trip, raising doubts.
• Thai netizens demand action to protect Phuket's tourism reputation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-18

 

 

 

Doubtful a boatoperator would use a slide like that. If it were damaged, they simply wouldn't roll it out.

How very stupid of them. The supposed damaged slide is so badly done it's obviously fake. As for the filthy bathroom. Yeah I've seen plenty just like that and who makes them that way? This revolting misuse of toilets in Thailand by ignorant tourists has always pissed me off frankly. No wonder Thais believe we're all filthy.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite these claims, another image surfaced from the same trip, showing the tourists having a good time on the boat, which throws doubt on their complaints.

So they are saying. Just because the foreigners were in a pic having a good time. Means the boat was not old or in disrepair? 

If i was on a trip like that, I may complain about it but while on the boat, I would still try my best to enjoy myself. 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

French tourists allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to alter photos from a Phuket boat trip in order to claim a refund, sparking significant controversy.

They only allege AI was used and most likely will not focus on anything else. IF AI was not used then these netizens should be up in arms with the owner of the boat.. Not at the foreigners photos and demand for a refund. 

The slide looks photo-shopped... as for the toilet, I have seen them like this.

The TAT says it wants to return to the former higher quality of tourists visiting Thailand. No sign of that so far.

Thought doing this type of thing could lead to legal troubles?  Maybe even jail?

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

The TAT says it wants to return to the former higher quality of tourists visiting Thailand. No sign of that so far.

It's Phuket, what did you expect? 🙂

32 minutes ago, diveasia666 said:

It's Phuket, what did you expect? 🙂

 Fair question.

Probably over budget and had a stroke of genius to attempt to get some money back, never assuming the level of attention it’d draw. Now they’re realising that Thai’s aren’t as gullible as they assumed.

"risks tarnishing the image of Phuket's tourism industry, which is known for its hospitality and beauty."

 

That is. Phuket is known for its hospitality !

 

On 12/18/2025 at 8:28 AM, stevenl said:

Doubtful a boatoperator would use a slide like that. If it were damaged, they simply wouldn't roll it out.

this slide is a airplane side