Picture courtesy of Daily News

A video showing a foreign tourist sitting on the roof of a moving taxi in Patong, Phuket, has sparked widespread criticism online over safety concerns and inappropriate behaviour. The incident, which occurred on 24 January, quickly went viral and raised concerns about risks to the driver, other road users and the image of Thailand’s tourist destinations.

The clip, around 45 seconds long, shows a group of foreign male tourists travelling through a congested area of Patong. One man is seen sitting on the roof of a taxi while two others walk behind the vehicle filming the scene. The taxi is moving slowly due to traffic conditions, but the situation is widely viewed as dangerous and irresponsible.

The incident took place on Thaweewong Road in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district. In the footage, the man on the roof sways and moves in time with music, appearing to enjoy himself. At one point, he jumps down from the roof, loses his balance and falls onto the road before quickly standing up and getting back inside the taxi.

The person who posted the video criticised the tourists’ behaviour in strong terms. The caption stated, “You are having fun, you were warned and you did not listen. You secretly climbed up again. The driver does not even know you are sitting on the roof like that. The one who suffers is the driver.” The post also added, “Is it worth it for such a small fare? If you are drunk, know your limits. The trouble never ends,” and repeated that they had been told not to climb onto the roof.

After the clip spread online, many social media users condemned the tourists’ actions. Comments focused on their refusal to listen to warnings, behaviour that locals would not normally do, and concerns that such incidents damage Thailand’s reputation. Others highlighted the unfair consequences for public transport drivers, who could face blame or legal trouble despite having no control over such actions.

Daily News reported that the incident has renewed discussion about tourist conduct, road safety and the responsibilities of visitors when using public transport. It also highlights ongoing concerns about how reckless behaviour can affect the safety of drivers and the international image of popular tourist destinations like Patong.

Video,courtesy of Phuketinsta

Key Takeaways

• A foreign tourist was filmed sitting on the roof of a moving taxi in Patong on 24 January.

• The incident occurred on Thaweewong Road during heavy traffic and ended with the tourist falling onto the road.

• Online criticism focused on safety risks, impact on the driver and Thailand’s tourism image.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-25

 

 

Maybe the Tuk Tuk should stop playing load music .......

3 hours ago, brian69 said:

Maybe the Tuk Tuk should stop playing load music .......

So, it´s the tuk tuk drivers' fault there are a lot of idiots doing what they like in Thailand?

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

So, it´s the tuk tuk drivers' fault there are a lot of idiots doing what they like in Thailand?

Yep...

Thai people concerned about safety?? Is that also for overloaded schooltransport vehicles? Or 4 people on a motorbike without helmets?. Of course this man is acting ridiculous, but to make a elephant of it ..... There are worse cases to worry about

On 1/25/2026 at 6:44 AM, Georgealbert said:

has sparked widespread criticism online

I'm saving my criticism for much bigger monsters than this guy 😗

On 1/25/2026 at 12:28 PM, Gottfrid said:

So, it´s the tuk tuk drivers' fault there are a lot of idiots doing what they like in Thailand?

I rather think that this was agreed with the tuk tuk driver. They do everything for extra money.

22 minutes ago, BerndD said:

I rather think that this was agreed with the tuk tuk driver. They do everything for extra money.

Yeah, sure, it might have been. In that case, stupidity x2.

ICE agents : Minneapolis ---> Patong : Win;Win

Hmm, idiot tourist on a tuk tuk roof doing two miles an hour. Open pick up truck loaded up with foreign workers or family doing 80kph on a highway.

Which one should Thai netizens be enraged about?

The tourist wasn’t being sensible, but taking into account the speed of the tuk tuk, it actually wasn’t THAT dangerous. The pick up trucks that I see on a daily basis with people in the back are definitely dangerous. And don’t get me started on overloaded motorbikes.

Thai people sometimes can’t see the wood for the trees.

On 1/25/2026 at 12:28 PM, Gottfrid said:

So, it´s the tuk tuk drivers' fault there are a lot of idiots doing what they like in Thailand?

Well, there is an argument that says it’s the drivers responsibility to make sure that his passengers behave an obey the law. Seatbelts and so on.

Not saying that the tourist isn’t at fault, but I don’t think the driver gets a free pass. He could have stopped and refused to move till the tourist sat down.

has sparked widespread criticism online over safety concerns

whereas people, often children, standing and hanging on at the back because the vehicle is full, is fine?

Children will act like children!

I’m sure the driver wouldn’t have known, there vehicles are a big investment for a Thai, and most are always clean and well looked after,he wouldn’t want damage to his roof!

7 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

Well, there is an argument that says it’s the drivers responsibility to make sure that his passengers behave an obey the law. Seatbelts and so on.

Not saying that the tourist isn’t at fault, but I don’t think the driver gets a free pass. He could have stopped and refused to move till the tourist sat down.

Agree. Of course he should have been taking his responsibility as a caring driver, but we all know how that is here. Taking responsibility is a foreign objective. I am just baffled of all the stupid things people travelling to this country come up with. It must be something in the air.