A group of foreigners in Phuket faces backlash after displaying aggressive behavior during the Songkran Festival. Video footage shows them blocking roads, harassing motorists, and engaging in inappropriate conduct towards women. The Patong Police arrested the group on April 14, charging them with causing a public nuisance and obstructing traffic.

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The incident has intensified public criticism, highlighting concerns over disruptive behavior by tourists in Thailand. A viral video shows the group forcing open a van door and throwing water inside. They face potential penalties of up to three months in prison and a fine of 10,000 baht, though specific penalties remain undisclosed.

Locals and tourists have expressed outrage, sharing additional videos of similar incidents involving the same group. One clip depicts a Thai woman on a motorcycle being doused with water and having shampoo poured on her without consent. Other reports allege the group blocked roads, demanded money, and harassed those who resisted participating in water fights.

Public reaction has been strong, with calls for stricter penalties and suggestions to deport the group. Concerns focus on the negative impact such behavior could have on Thailand’s tourism industry, emphasizing a need for stringent enforcement of laws to protect the country’s reputation as a tourist destination.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 16 Apr 2026

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Don’t promote annual chaos in the form of a nationwide water fight… then act surprised when some people take it too far.

Thailand can’t have it both ways. It actively invites mass tourism - and a huge slice of its GDP depends on it - then turns around and complains when the less desirable side of that tourism shows up. That’s just poor expectation management.

With the good always comes the bad. If you want the income, you also take on the responsibility. The issue isn’t that tourists misbehave - that happens everywhere. The issue is enforcement. If authorities don’t clearly police boundaries, some people will inevitably push them.

And this isn’t limited to Songkran. It reflects a broader pattern - scams, inconsistent law enforcement, high road fatalities, weak building oversight. The rules often seem flexible until something goes viral, and then suddenly there’s a crackdown.

None of that takes away from the fact that Thailand is an incredible country. But it does seem to have a habit of complaining about the very “golden goose” it relies on.

You hear repeated claims that tourism isn’t enough - then complaints about tourists. Complaints about accidents - then about unpaid hospital bills, which in reality are tiny compared to overall tourism revenue.

If Thailand wants the benefits of being a global tourist hotspot, it needs to accept the trade-offs - and more importantly, manage them properly.

Thailand sends out mixed signals:

- It markets wild, anything-goes experiences - or widely allows that impression

- But enforcement is inconsistent until something goes viral

That gap is exactly why situations like this escalate. People assume there are no real consequences - until suddenly there are.

So yes - tourists also need to take responsibility - Songkran isn’t a free pass to behave like idiots. But the bigger issue is inconsistent policing - that’s the root cause of situations like this.

I haven't attended the 'fun' this year, partly down to health issues but also I didn't appreciate the increased aggression. Testosterone levels were off the scale and when you signalled (or pleaded) with the water gun guys it made them all the more determined to drown you with total disregard.

I've already witnessed many physical altercations video on the internet and this has now spread to the water festival. When you receive a high pressure jet of water to your eye it's not difficult to see that some people may respond.

I enjoyed when I was younger , don't miss it and I can't see it getting any less physical which will be a a shame. The young Thais at the side of the road in the sticks seam to be able to abide by some sort of agreed rules, shame the football mobs have taken over various parts of the city.

Seems most of them are from certain demographics...

The usual suspects yet again! 1 day out from their own countries and out comes the animal, these beasts belong in a zoo. Up to now though, there doesn't seem to be any reports of them kiddy fiddling, but they have been pestering women as usual. Why do they seem to think that women like to be gang raped by foul smelling creatures from another world?

14 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Don’t promote annual chaos in the form of a nationwide water fight… then act surprised when some people take it too far.

Thailand can’t have it both ways. It actively invites mass tourism - and a huge slice of its GDP depends on it - then turns around and complains when the less desirable side of that tourism shows up. That’s just poor expectation management.

With the good always comes the bad. If you want the income, you also take on the responsibility. The issue isn’t that tourists misbehave - that happens everywhere. The issue is enforcement. If authorities don’t clearly police boundaries, some people will inevitably push them.

And this isn’t limited to Songkran. It reflects a broader pattern - scams, inconsistent law enforcement, high road fatalities, weak building oversight. The rules often seem flexible until something goes viral, and then suddenly there’s a crackdown.

None of that takes away from the fact that Thailand is an incredible country. But it does seem to have a habit of complaining about the very “golden goose” it relies on.

You hear repeated claims that tourism isn’t enough - then complaints about tourists. Complaints about accidents - then about unpaid hospital bills, which in reality are tiny compared to overall tourism revenue.

If Thailand wants the benefits of being a global tourist hotspot, it needs to accept the trade-offs - and more importantly, manage them properly.

Thailand sends out mixed signals:

- It markets wild, anything-goes experiences - or widely allows that impression

- But enforcement is inconsistent until something goes viral

That gap is exactly why situations like this escalate. People assume there are no real consequences - until suddenly there are.

So yes - tourists also need to take responsibility - Songkran isn’t a free pass to behave like idiots. But the bigger issue is inconsistent policing - that’s the root cause of situations like this.

You blaming police for that <deleted>! You dont get out much do you!!

Guy got shot the other day. I guess thats the police fault too. For not being more strict on all 80 million people.

Good. You don't open a car, someone's private property and, in this case, his livelihood, and throw water into it. Why would anybody think that would be ok to do? They need to be punished by the law and made to repair the damages--then deported.

I saw a Thai watering truck, similar to the ones they water plants around the roads, spraying water into bars and people in there. Can only imagine how that felt not to mention the mess and destroyed furniture. Is that fun?

This time it was not tourists it was thai people.

I agree there must be more enforcement.

All from the same country and ethnic background it seems when you look at the videos circulating.

So many spraying devices that are supposedly banned each and every year are to be seen here.

The authorities pay lip service, but it will all be forgotten before the end of the month.

24 minutes ago, hanbla said:

I saw a Thai watering truck, similar to the ones they water plants around the roads, spraying water into bars and people in there. Can only imagine how that felt not to mention the mess and destroyed furniture. Is that fun?

This time it was not tourists it was thai people.

I agree there must be more enforcement.

They looked Korean or Chinese to me.

2 minutes ago, Kenny Boy said:

They looked Korean or Chinese to me.

Wonder where they got a water truck from, or perhaps they are rented out for Songkran!

15 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Don’t promote annual chaos in the form of a nationwide water fight… then act surprised when some people take it too far.

Thailand can’t have it both ways. It actively invites mass tourism - and a huge slice of its GDP depends on it - then turns around and complains when the less desirable side of that tourism shows up. That’s just poor expectation management.

With the good always comes the bad. If you want the income, you also take on the responsibility. The issue isn’t that tourists misbehave - that happens everywhere. The issue is enforcement. If authorities don’t clearly police boundaries, some people will inevitably push them.

And this isn’t limited to Songkran. It reflects a broader pattern - scams, inconsistent law enforcement, high road fatalities, weak building oversight. The rules often seem flexible until something goes viral, and then suddenly there’s a crackdown.

None of that takes away from the fact that Thailand is an incredible country. But it does seem to have a habit of complaining about the very “golden goose” it relies on.

You hear repeated claims that tourism isn’t enough - then complaints about tourists. Complaints about accidents - then about unpaid hospital bills, which in reality are tiny compared to overall tourism revenue.

If Thailand wants the benefits of being a global tourist hotspot, it needs to accept the trade-offs - and more importantly, manage them properly.

Thailand sends out mixed signals:

- It markets wild, anything-goes experiences - or widely allows that impression

- But enforcement is inconsistent until something goes viral

That gap is exactly why situations like this escalate. People assume there are no real consequences - until suddenly there are.

So yes - tourists also need to take responsibility - Songkran isn’t a free pass to behave like idiots. But the bigger issue is inconsistent policing - that’s the root cause of situations like this.

If the dumb entitled ganga cadet falangs behaved themselves there wouldn't be this problem

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A group of foreigners in Phuket faces backlash after displaying aggressive behavior during the Songkran Festival. Video footage shows them blocking roads, harassing motorists, and engaging in inappropriate conduct towards women. The Patong Police arrested the group on April 14, charging them with causing a public nuisance and obstructing traffic.

Get today's headlines by email

The incident has intensified public criticism, highlighting concerns over disruptive behavior by tourists in Thailand. A viral video shows the group forcing open a van door and throwing water inside. They face potential penalties of up to three months in prison and a fine of 10,000 baht, though specific penalties remain undisclosed.

Locals and tourists have expressed outrage, sharing additional videos of similar incidents involving the same group. One clip depicts a Thai woman on a motorcycle being doused with water and having shampoo poured on her without consent. Other reports allege the group blocked roads, demanded money, and harassed those who resisted participating in water fights.

Public reaction has been strong, with calls for stricter penalties and suggestions to deport the group. Concerns focus on the negative impact such behavior could have on Thailand’s tourism industry, emphasizing a need for stringent enforcement of laws to protect the country’s reputation as a tourist destination.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 16 Apr 2026

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Bring out the water-cannon trucks.

I'm sure there would be ample volunteers to man them!

Now (again) 1 year tome to forget it😅

In certain areas, Phuket and Pattaya mainly, the crowd has dramatically changed since a few years. I see so many french arabics now, who back home usually make their income from drug trafficking and other types of shady stuff, turning these places into crappy holes. What i know (i grew up in those "banlieues/suburbs) is that these are not the big spending tourists and letting them in Thailand will turn the "golden goose of tourism" into a fake bronze sickly old goose. so wake the Eff up, quantity in that case is not more income, it is the opposite. The majority of these, let's call them tourists...., are cheap hobos that spend peanuts and even mug you or try to steal from you, in groups. The whole scene in some areas is just become a dung hole.

My first ever experience of Songkran, a long time ago, was a lady pedestrian on Silom, in traditional dress, asking me if she could stop me and pour a small amount of water from a decorated bottle onto the back of my right hand, and then wishing me a happy new year. A charming and friendly gesture. Happy times.

2 minutes ago, rumeaug said:

In certain areas, Phuket and Pattaya mainly, the crowd has dramatically changed since a few years. I see so many french arabics now, who back home usually make their income from drug trafficking and other types of shady stuff, turning these places into crappy holes. What i know (i grew up in those "banlieues/suburbs) is that these are not the big spending tourists and letting them in Thailand will turn the "golden goose of tourism" into a fake bronze sickly old goose. so wake the Eff up, quantity in that case is not more income, it is the opposite. The majority of these, let's call them tourists...., are cheap hobos that spend peanuts and even mug you or try to steal from you, in groups. The whole scene in some areas is just become a dung hole.

Add samui to the list of places they have swarmed over 😕

Line these people up. Deploy the military water cannons used for crowd control and spray them with water for 10 minutes. I have a strong feeling that will cure their desire for the Songkran festivities. It would also be a great video for those who want to see retribution for being soaked over the many years by mostly idiotic Foriegners.🙂

please don't just deport them, jail them for 3 months first then deport and ban.

17 hours ago, DaLa said:

I haven't attended the 'fun' this year, partly down to health issues but also I didn't appreciate the increased aggression. Testosterone levels were off the scale and when you signalled (or pleaded) with the water gun guys it made them all the more determined to drown you with total disregard.

I've already witnessed many physical altercations video on the internet and this has now spread to the water festival. When you receive a high pressure jet of water to your eye it's not difficult to see that some people may respond.

I enjoyed when I was younger , don't miss it and I can't see it getting any less physical which will be a a shame. The young Thais at the side of the road in the sticks seam to be able to abide by some sort of agreed rules, shame the football mobs have taken over various parts of the city.

I was myself triggered by an aggressive gang of drunken brits who didn't know when to stop. I walked up to one guy and shoved him as hard as I could, only to find a video of me had been virally posted online after the fact.

I was tempted to defensively arm myself with guns loaded with hot chili pepper laced water. Or maybe just plain pepper spray. but obviously I'm joking, it would escalate things.

it's good to know that I'm not the only one who thinks this has gotten out of hand. I tried to be accepting of a bit of fun, but when people are aggressive, and some even use hoses, I get triggered. Now I have to plan on not going anywhere for 3 days.

2 hours ago, rumeaug said:

these are not the big spending tourists and letting them in Thailand will turn the "golden goose of tourism" into a fake bronze sickly old goose.

And there is the root of the problem. They have French passports.

How can you tell apart these well known trouble makers from legit French tourists?

Would need drastic measures regarding visa / screening before travel.

If Thai immigration could see the criminal record of these hools, they would think twice before stamping them in.

Letting such a bunch of animals terrorize tourist areas in Thailand, will make thousands of normal tourists reschedule their future holidays to other countries! It seems like they had to direct their attacks towards the police, before anything seemed to be done to stop it. Maybe the police should start to arrest or at least fine all shirtless males in the cities, since that's the uniform of trouble makers.

I've never had an issue with Thais during Songkran. The issue is poor white people. The whites bring their oafish behavior to Thailand and annoy every other race and nationality. We never have Songran trouble with the Chinese, blacks or Indians. The whites are the problem. Euthanize only 1 ethnic group (except the Russians because they are great) and Songkran would be perfect.

3 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

I was tempted to defensively arm myself with guns loaded with hot chili pepper laced water. Or maybe just plain pepper spray. but obviously I'm joking, it would escalate things.

Yeah, then next year they'd all be at it. So thanks for your reticence.

3 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

it's good to know that I'm not the only one who thinks this has gotten out of hand. I tried to be accepting of a bit of fun, but when people are aggressive, and some even use hoses, I get triggered. Now I have to plan on not going anywhere for 3 days.

Yeah it has become quite violent in some parts.

6 hours ago, hanbla said:

I saw a Thai watering truck, similar to the ones they water plants around the roads, spraying water into bars and people in there. Can only imagine how that felt not to mention the mess and destroyed furniture. Is that fun?

This time it was not tourists it was thai people.

I agree there must be more enforcement.

I've seen those water trucks rented out by Thais in Hua Hin. They run up and down Petchkasem Road (the main N-S artery through town). But I never saw them hosing people directly, they sprayed overhead and hosed some cars. But never at shops, bars etc.

But we all know how boring Hua Hin is.

5 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

it's good to know that I'm not the only one who thinks this has gotten out of hand. I tried to be accepting of a bit of fun, but when people are aggressive, and some even use hoses, I get triggered. Now I have to plan on not going anywhere for 3 days.

Quite agree with you - it used to be fun, but now it's become too much like a battleground, and I just follow your plan - stay home for 3 days and have a couple of refreshing drinks!