A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behaviour in the province’s hospitality sector.

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The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian and Russian visitors, based on reported behaviour from operators.

According to the post, Israeli tourists were accused of fabricating claims about lost items in accommodation, but hesitating when police involvement was suggested, saying they would search again first. Indian tourists were described as staying multiple people in one room and being prone to complaints and disputes. Russian tourists were alleged to refuse payment after meals by claiming the food was not satisfactory.

The claims quickly gained traction online, with social media users sharing their own experiences and opinions, leading to widespread discussion. The post did not cite formal data or official statistics, but presented the results as feedback from workers in the local tourism and service sectors.

The discussion comes amid ongoing scrutiny of tourist behaviour in key destinations such as Phuket, where the hospitality industry plays a central economic role. While anecdotal accounts often circulate online, such claims can influence public perception and potentially affect relations between businesses and international visitors.

Industry observers note that social media polls may not represent the full picture and can amplify selective experiences rather than balanced data. However, the viral nature of the post highlights underlying tensions and challenges faced by frontline service staff dealing with diverse tourist groups.

Amarin reported that authorities and tourism stakeholders have not issued an official response to the post as of the report’s publication. It remains unclear whether any follow-up actions or investigations will take place regarding the claims made.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 24 Mar 2026

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All sounds like something the tourist shillelagh could deal with!

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

They behave likely as in their homecountries.... Quality tourists

17 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

Furthermore surprised not see Benidorm Brits haven't made the list and their perpetuance for violence, cheapness and muling back 'products' to the UK.

Don I think they were after a Guiness world record !

19 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

Furthermore surprised not see Benidorm Brits haven't made the list and their perpetuance for violence, cheapness and muling back 'products' to the UK.

Brother, take a long, hard look in the mirror. if you're staying in a hotel that allows 15 Indians in one room you are no better than a Benidorm Brit.

56 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

Furthermore surprised not see Benidorm Brits haven't made the list and their perpetuance for violence, cheapness and muling back 'products' to the UK.

Must have been a right Slum to allow that, But hey you were staying there,

1 hour ago, DonniePeverley said:

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

Furthermore surprised not see Benidorm Brits haven't made the list and their perpetuance for violence, cheapness and muling back 'products' to the UK.

You must stay in some right dumps, says a lot about yourself really.

1 hour ago, DonniePeverley said:

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

Furthermore surprised not see Benidorm Brits haven't made the list and their perpetuance for violence, cheapness and muling back 'products' to the UK.

Ah the old 'Benidorm Brits' line 😅😅, time of the month hun?

We have a couple of good Thai friends who live somewhere in America and they have a couple of Thai restaurants, and she was saying only yesterday that people dont have any money, they are ordering food online then complaining.

and want a $100 refunds, OK, then bring the food back, then they shut up. So you can throw the Americans into that pot,

There is plenty of Arabs with a stinking attitude, especially to Thai people,

In my hometown, half the size Chiang Mai, we have by default at least 10-20 cops on weekends at nightlife areas or football games. In Thailand I have never seen more than 4 and some fat tourist police volunteers. This while they handle 10-20X the volumes in people. And then they are surprised? In my memories there was even much more fights before we had smartphones in Thailand. There would be at least 1-2 fights daily even in places like loi kroh chiang mai. It's all about governing and policing, or the lack of it.

As well as repeated bash posting on social media to gaslight this, a global issue, same where crimes and murders are down globally but you see it more than ever on a daily basis. This country is really run by kids.

1 hour ago, DonniePeverley said:

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

Furthermore surprised not see Benidorm Brits haven't made the list and their perpetuance for violence, cheapness and muling back 'products' to the UK.

Thai hotels want ID when you bring your hooker, i mean guest so I doubt there were 15 people in the room.

Why would you make up a lie like that?

5 minutes ago, Celsius said:

Thai hotels want ID when you bring your hooker, i mean guest so I doubt there were 15 people in the room.

Why would you make up a lie like that?

I once brought over 10 girls into a room with 3 friends using the basement elevator. Plenty of hotels would not check ID on guests during most of the day too, that would be evenings where you arrive and it is obvious a prostitute, that is for your safety mainly, that they ask it, if they do. The world is bigger than your bubble.

What is there to say, more than that they are right to complain and speak the truth. Far too many degenerates in Thailand nowadays.

7 minutes ago, BuffaloRider said:

I once brought over 10 girls into a room with 3 friends using the basement elevator. Plenty of hotels would not check ID on guests during most of the day too, that would be evenings where you arrive and it is obvious a prostitute, that is for your safety mainly, that they ask it, if they do. The world is bigger than your bubble.

Wow your world so big paying to be touched

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behaviour in the province’s hospitality sector.

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The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian and Russian visitors, based on reported behaviour from operators.

According to the post, Israeli tourists were accused of fabricating claims about lost items in accommodation, but hesitating when police involvement was suggested, saying they would search again first. Indian tourists were described as staying multiple people in one room and being prone to complaints and disputes. Russian tourists were alleged to refuse payment after meals by claiming the food was not satisfactory.

The claims quickly gained traction online, with social media users sharing their own experiences and opinions, leading to widespread discussion. The post did not cite formal data or official statistics, but presented the results as feedback from workers in the local tourism and service sectors.

The discussion comes amid ongoing scrutiny of tourist behaviour in key destinations such as Phuket, where the hospitality industry plays a central economic role. While anecdotal accounts often circulate online, such claims can influence public perception and potentially affect relations between businesses and international visitors.

Industry observers note that social media polls may not represent the full picture and can amplify selective experiences rather than balanced data. However, the viral nature of the post highlights underlying tensions and challenges faced by frontline service staff dealing with diverse tourist groups.

Amarin reported that authorities and tourism stakeholders have not issued an official response to the post as of the report’s publication. It remains unclear whether any follow-up actions or investigations will take place regarding the claims made.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 24 Mar 2026

View full article

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A social media post has sparked debate in Phuket after highlighting complaints by hotel and restaurant workers about tourists from three nationalities, with immediate attention drawn to alleged problematic behaviour in the province’s hospitality sector.

Get today's headlines by email

The Facebook page “Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์” published a poll described as reflecting views from service industry staff in Phuket, asking which nationalities were considered the most difficult in hotels and restaurants. The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian and Russian visitors, based on reported behaviour from operators.

According to the post, Israeli tourists were accused of fabricating claims about lost items in accommodation, but hesitating when police involvement was suggested, saying they would search again first. Indian tourists were described as staying multiple people in one room and being prone to complaints and disputes. Russian tourists were alleged to refuse payment after meals by claiming the food was not satisfactory.

The claims quickly gained traction online, with social media users sharing their own experiences and opinions, leading to widespread discussion. The post did not cite formal data or official statistics, but presented the results as feedback from workers in the local tourism and service sectors.

The discussion comes amid ongoing scrutiny of tourist behaviour in key destinations such as Phuket, where the hospitality industry plays a central economic role. While anecdotal accounts often circulate online, such claims can influence public perception and potentially affect relations between businesses and international visitors.

Industry observers note that social media polls may not represent the full picture and can amplify selective experiences rather than balanced data. However, the viral nature of the post highlights underlying tensions and challenges faced by frontline service staff dealing with diverse tourist groups.

Amarin reported that authorities and tourism stakeholders have not issued an official response to the post as of the report’s publication. It remains unclear whether any follow-up actions or investigations will take place regarding the claims made.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 24 Mar 2026

View full article

I recall an incident, some years back, when 7/11 stores sold 'tup up' cards formobile phones (any mobile phones). I was in a packed 7/11 just a few shops away from an Israelie gueshouse. Several Israelies walked in, saw the stand with the te. top up cards, grabbed several and pushed their way to the front of the customers waitint to pay, with abrupt loud questions: 'Is this compatible with xxxx service in Israel and what are the hertz' etc, and 'is the voice loud' and 'how many minutes' and more, all the time talking over the conversations between shop staff and the customer being served at the time. the questions (aboVE) were being repeated, the shop staff saying 'just a moment please' and nothing more because their English skills were basically zero.

Then a voice from the back of the waiting customers speaking another language, got quict atention from the boys asking the questions. The voice from the back also asking 'does anybody speak Thai and English?'

The voice from the back then spoke loud an agressively in Isareli, and repeted his comments in English. 'This is Thailand, the staff don't speak English, ad none of them have any advanced knowledge about these telephone cards ad if you read the card (the English writing) it will answer your questions.

This achieved nothing the rude abrupt Israelis just kept talking over the conversationsbetwen the shop staff and customers.

Then another farang spoke up 'I understand your language. Why doyou seak so abruptly and so demanding, the other man has already told you the staff here are not experts about telephones and have no knowedge whatever about service providers in other countries. The rude / abrupt questions to the staff, holding tel cards in their faces, even intimidating them, continued until the original farang who spoke up said loudly 'I will call the police', this got an instant reaction from a questioner 'no, call the Israeli embassy, the Thai police cannot tell me what to do.'

A 7/11 supervisor wth a security guard arrived quickly and totally cleared the store and locked the door.

There are 2 world's on this planet, 'The Civilised World and The Jungle' it's plainly obvious where you come from by your actions, and the lowest common denominator defines your country status. Russia, India Israel and a few others are rudimentary to say the least.

Ask them their nationality when booking, and refuse if you don't like them.

1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

We have a couple of good Thai friends who live somewhere in America and they have a couple of Thai restaurants, and she was saying only yesterday that people dont have any money, they are ordering food online then complaining.

and want a $100 refunds, OK, then bring the food back, then they shut up. So you can throw the Americans into that pot,

Nothing like third hand, vague testimony to convince me.

Of all the countries I have visited as a tourists and business traveler all my life, Thailand hotel staff are the best of the best. They are soooo patient, kind and welcoming, and I know their salary is small compared to other countries. The level of abuse and disrespect by these people identified in this article is shameful. I know from experience in Patts and BKK, that everyone on the list are disgusting, rude, low class human beings. I wish they would just learn basic manners and treat people the way they want to be treated, but I have no hope.

1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

There is plenty of Arabs with a stinking attitude, especially to Thai people,

Vast majority of arabs have a stinking attitude they all think they are above everyone else

After reading the headline but before reading the article, I tried to guess in my mind what the three nationalities would be. And I nailed it. Ha. Some things are so predictable.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The post claimed that Israeli tourists ranked highest, followed by Indian and Russian visitors, based on reported behaviour from operators.

The solution is easy, but that would mean losing much needed revenue...

2 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Stayed at a mid tier hotel in Pattaya a few months back. Adjoining room, noise all night in the room next door. When i went past the room in the morning, there were literally 15 indians guys all sleeping in that one room. Most of them on the floor with a blanket. Crazy how many times i have seen them share a room on such large numbers.

Jayant Bhandari (look him up) always says "Indians live and die like cockroaches". Hard to disagree with this observation.

1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

We have a couple of good Thai friends who live somewhere in America and they have a couple of Thai restaurants, and she was saying only yesterday that people dont have any money, they are ordering food online then complaining.

and want a $100 refunds, OK, then bring the food back, then they shut up. So you can throw the Americans into that pot,

Every time I hear stories like this I think man what the hell is happening to America... and then I remember the country is being swamped by millions of 3rd world immigrants so there's really no such thing as an American anymore just people residing in America.

I don't believe that Brits didn't make it into the top 3!

Sorry Phuket guys but your post just lost all credibility.

I've been a global traveler for more than 5 decades, now settled in Thailand. My worldwide experience (the macrocosm) concurs with the opinions and experiences of the Phuket hospitality industry (the microcosm).

A lot of these arrogant international tourists seem to be unaware that they are a guest in a foreign culture. The level of respect and lack of common courtesy is the modus operandi.

Israelis in particular, in my experience, present the most abhorrent behavior, eg. used condoms left under pillows for the room maid to find.

Groups of Israelis sitting on the footpath, legs stretched out, deliberately obstructing pedestrians.

Israelis aggressively pushing their way to the front of a queue, talking loud, shouting at staff.

I have a long time friend who owns a souvenir shop in Kathmandu, Nepal.

He told me that Israelis are by far the worst customers. They swear, curse, abuse and intimidate the shopkeepers.

They accuse them of cheating and try to get unreasonably low prices.

My friend was even spat upon after declining a below cost offer from an aggressive Israeli.

There are many good people who come to Thailand but parts of Thailand always has attracted the dregs from all societies also

9 minutes ago, Grandpa Cool said:

I've been a global traveler for more than 5 decades, now settled in Thailand. My worldwide experience (the macrocosm) concurs with the opinions and experiences of the Phuket hospitality industry (the microcosm).

A lot of these arrogant international tourists seem to be unaware that they are a guest in a foreign culture. The level of respect and lack of common courtesy is the modus operandi.

Israelis in particular, in my experience, present the most abhorrent behavior, eg. used condoms left under pillows for the room maid to find.

Groups of Israelis sitting on the footpath, legs stretched out, deliberately obstructing pedestrians.

Israelis aggressively pushing their way to the front of a queue, talking loud, shouting at staff.

I have a long time friend who owns a souvenir shop in Kathmandu, Nepal.

He told me that Israelis are by far the worst customers. They swear, curse, abuse and intimidate the shopkeepers.

They accuse them of cheating and try to get unreasonably low prices.

My friend was even spat upon after declining a below cost offer from an aggressive Israeli.

The Israelis are known for that already for ages. Even 17 and 18e century they were not wanted anywhere, but they don't learn anything. Even the WOII could not change their behavior... best example are tourists and the way they handle Gaza and West Bank and nowadays even in Lebanon and Syria....