A foreign man left a steakhouse in Choeng Talay, Phuket, without paying on March 3, raising concerns about dine-and-dash incidents involving tourists. According to a post on The Phuket Times Facebook page, the man ordered the restaurant's most premium steak before exiting through a back door on a motorcycle, leaving staff unaware. CCTV footage captured the man dining alone, heading towards the bathroom, and then disappearing.

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The steakhouse incident at 9 p.m. marks another addition to a growing list of similar cases reported in Phuket. Last year, several dine-and-dash incidents involving foreign tourists were reported on the island. Notable occurrences include two foreign couples who left restaurants with unpaid bills totaling over 2,000 baht and a Russian couple accused of similar behavior at multiple venues.

Despite clear CCTV evidence, local police have not consistently updated the public on arrests in previous cases, contributing to frustrations among business owners. Some restaurant owners have reported financial strain and expressed concerns about the lack of accountability, noting incidents are not limited to dining establishments. Entertainment venues in popular tourist areas like Phuket and Pattaya also report issues with unpaid tabs.

Looking forward, the incident has sparked discussions about measures to prevent similar occurrences. Increased security and closer collaboration with local authorities are among the steps being considered. Business owners hope for more proactive responses to deter dine-and-dash incidents and protect their establishments from financial losses, reported The Thaiger.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 04 Mar 2026

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I know there'll be huge resistance, but at some point they will have to move to taking a fixed payment per diner and then pay back the balance after dining.

Same with bookings.....a fixed fee to book, non-returnable for no-shows.

4 minutes ago, MIke B Bad said:

I know there'll be huge resistance, but at some point they will have to move to taking a fixed payment per diner and then pay back the balance after dining.

Same with bookings.....a fixed fee to book, non-returnable for no-shows.

In high cost /value establishments why not? Hotels as an example often require a verified credit card number before accepting a booking despite offering a conditional no charge for a no show.

Dine &Dash is low life abuse.

Steak ... most expensive items too ..

1 hour ago, MIke B Bad said:

I know there'll be huge resistance, but at some point they will have to move to taking a fixed payment per diner and then pay back the balance after dining.

Same with bookings.....a fixed fee to book, non-returnable for no-shows.

I can see that happening in my local noodle shop...

I dont go to that city too many a-hole tourists

I hope the perp is arrested at the airport. This is fatherless behavior.

Low life trash foreigner

Anyone hear about the Irishman who paid

for a meal ...and ran out ?

Money's on a Benidorm Brit.

Cheapos flooding Thailand.

Until Thai authorities crack down on toursits visiting without money then this will continue.

Unfortunately, this is a popular fad on Tik Tok. I am surprised they perp didn't gloat about it.

He was promised that steak 3,000 years ago.

On 3/5/2026 at 2:35 PM, Patong2021 said:

this is a popular fad on Tik Tok

Sadly we'll see more and more of this behaviour due to the lack of discipline.

Bring back corporal punishment, a public flogging required.

A slap on the wrist doesn't work.

Bloody Wokes and lefties and their stupid ways 😡

11 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Sadly we'll see more and more of this behaviour due to the lack of discipline.

Bring back corporal punishment, a public flogging required.

A slap on the wrist doesn't work.

Bloody Wokes and lefties and their stupid ways 😡

The video is from Brazil. Trust me, you don't want Thailand to turn into Brazil.

1 hour ago, flaming dragon said:

The video is from Brazil. Trust me, you don't want Thailand to turn into Brazil.

No no no, discipline is required

I'd prefer Thailand to be more like Singapore

13 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Sadly we'll see more and more of this behaviour due to the lack of discipline.

Bring back corporal punishment, a public flogging required.

A slap on the wrist doesn't work.

Bloody Wokes and lefties and their stupid ways 😡

Totally agree. This should be used and adapted by local police in regards to driving in thailand.

To all drivers foreign .....and locals.

On 3/4/2026 at 9:25 PM, Jim Blue said:

Anyone hear about the Irishman who paid

for a meal ...and ran out ?

the Irish firing squad stood in a circle.

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After eating a big steak I'm surprised he was able to run,