Photo courtesy of Khaosod

A video showing a foreign couple stealing a backpack in Phuket has sparked public outrage. Captured on CCTV on 8 February in Thalang district, the footage reveals the couple on a motorcycle in Mai Khao subdistrict, stealing a bag from a house. The homeowner expressed disappointment but did not request the bag’s return, urging tourists to respect local communities.

The incident, shared on the Facebook page Hod Jung Phuket on 9 February, has drawn significant attention. The video shows a man and woman, believed to be tourists, riding against traffic to snatch the bag. They fled quickly after, with the man wearing only trousers and the woman in a swimsuit, raising eyebrows and calls for action.

Public reaction has been swift and critical, with many social media users demanding authorities identify and prosecute the couple. This act has sparked discussions about tourist behavior and respect for local communities. The incident also highlights ongoing concerns about petty crime involving tourists in popular destinations.

Moving forward, there are calls for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent similar incidents. Authorities may face pressure to implement stricter law enforcement to deter misconduct by visitors. As the situation unfolds, attention may shift to how officials manage tourist interactions and ensure safety, reported Khaosod.

Key Takeaways

• A foreign couple’s theft has caused public anger in Phuket.

• Social media has been flooded with calls for legal action.

• Authorities may need to enhance measures for tourist conduct.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-02-09

 

 

Trash tourists wrecking Thailand.

Why is Thailand so soft on tourism crime? Deport these people Not soft fines

No criminal record checks for long term stay is a derelict of duty.

They would Not do this in Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, why they feel so Brave here ? Lawless

A few years ago when the previous government announced they were changing entry rules to allow people to stay longer, no criminal record checks for long stays, a relaxation of rules, open borders to countries poorer than Thailand - you just knew then it would be carnage.

Those people didn't care ... they were property developers who just want to fill their properties. But for society in Thailand it's been an absolute nightmare.

Those rules have to be scaled back. Go back to the old visa ways. If you can afford to stay in Thailand and are true digital nomad . retired then fine - ALONG WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK.

The drugs laws were a disaster. Sure once again some have made alot of money, but at a cost to Thai society.

As a foreigner i feel it, because these people behaving this way really hurts all us immigrants in Thailand.

It's time the Thai government took matters seriously. Furthermore constantly pushing TAT to get more numbers in is the wrong way to go - there needs to be a focus on total income, not mass cheap tourism and an arbitary number.

1 hour ago, Bally Jaggers said:

Why is Thailand so soft on tourism crime?

Thai police have to follow orders from their officers. The aim is to maximise undocumented revenue, minimise time wasting activities and ensure higher authorities do not interfere.

An example of this effective and profitable use of time may be deriving income from prostitution establishments or extorting money from drug dealers. Arresting tourists for petty theft is very unlikely to be worth their while financially.

2 hours ago, Briggsy said:

Thai police have to follow orders from their officers. The aim is to maximise undocumented revenue, minimise time wasting activities and ensure higher authorities do not interfere.

An example of this effective and profitable use of time may be deriving income from prostitution establishments or extorting money from drug dealers. Arresting tourists for petty theft is very unlikely to be worth their while financially.

Then the orders from above have to be more severe with tougher penalties.

This couple will probably just get a hand slap, pay 1000, and be on their jolly old way.

11 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Then the orders from above have to be more severe with tougher penalties.

This couple will probably just get a hand slap, pay 1000, and be on their jolly old way.

Much more likely to be Russian. They love riding around with their A$$ showing.

The owner of the bag doesn’t cover themselves in glory. Hanging up a bag unattended where all can see was an invitation to have it stolen. In this day and age you do have to have a level of care with your belongings. I wish it wasn’t so, but reality is reality, and you can’t leave stuff hanging around without it likely being stolen.

Except in Singapore. I recently dropped a wallet stuffed with EUR and THB notes, bank cards etc, in a toilet cubicle at The Jewel shopping mall at Changi airport. Some kind soul handed it in at the information counter, entirely complete including cash.

As already mentioned the police and authorities to soft on punishment for tourists involved in theft and criminal activities

They should be deported end of

Such a shame, have left wallet, phone bag etc on many beaches over the years whilst going for a swim by myself and never had a problem ,thankfully most people are honest.

As the bike is clearly seen hopefully the police can track them using the number plate of the bike

What scum to visit a foreign country and repay the hospitality shown by stealing

Ignorant scum

Sorry Thailand but you invited scums like this with your lack of criminal enforcement and the come one come all with extended stays with no $ verification.

12 hours ago, Kwausie said:

Such a shame, have left wallet, phone bag etc on many beaches over the years whilst going for a swim by myself and never had a problem ,thankfully most people are honest.

South East Asia, including Japan in that, are one of the few societies left where theft is not something they are bought up on. Be it a strict upbringing, moral values society is more balanced (of course you get the odd idiot) - it's an upbringing not because of some harsh threats of the law like you see in the middle east. It's not like you see in the west, where theft is pretty common, hence many precautions we all take.

However, those who were in charge under the previous government let in cheap trash, and let them live, no checks and balances. You degrade society and suddenly theft becomes the norm.

Thailand must strengthen it's border.

No tolerance towards theft, violence or drugs. Should be deported.

Such a shame

Has anybody thought, It could be their bag they forgot and came back and found it hanging in the tree, just maybe,

If and when the ruble takes a serious downturn Thailand is going to have of whole slew of these welcomed in thieves, pillaging.

Quality tourists. Nationality not identified, but look "white".

On 2/9/2026 at 3:48 AM, Bally Jaggers said:

They would Not do this in Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, why they feel so Brave here ? Lawless

that's because they the criminals know Thailand is a haven for illegal activities with no real consequences unless a brown envelop is involved.

the same kind who would have sex in public or indecent exposure in LOS for the same reasons.

I for one am glad the netizens are up in arms over this.

Guy is wearing shorts not trousers.

On 2/12/2026 at 7:02 AM, ChipButty said:

Has anybody thought, It could be their bag they forgot and came back and found it hanging in the tree, just maybe,

Did you read the article? The owner reported that it was taking.

On 2/11/2026 at 3:41 AM, DonniePeverley said:

South East Asia, including Japan in that, are one of the few societies left where theft is not something they are bought up on. Be it a strict upbringing, moral values society is more balanced (of course you get the odd idiot) - it's an upbringing not because of some harsh threats of the law like you see in the middle east. It's not like you see in the west, where theft is pretty common, hence many precautions we all take.

However, those who were in charge under the previous government let in cheap trash, and let them live, no checks and balances. You degrade society and suddenly theft becomes the norm.

Thailand must strengthen it's border.

No tolerance towards theft, violence or drugs. Should be deported.

Such a shame

Some of that is true, but scams, fraud, are considered theft and not petty, which are prevalent throughout Thailand. More of course in major cities and tourist areas, but also in other places.