Foreign tourists sparked online backlash after being filmed engaging in a lewd act on a moving taxi along Thaveewong Road in Patong, Phuket, on 3 May, raising concerns over safety and the resort’s image. The clip, widely shared on social media, shows a man and woman behaving in an inappropriate manner while the vehicle was in motion, appearing unconcerned by surrounding traffic. The footage quickly went viral, drawing criticism from local residents and online users.

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The video was first posted by the Facebook page “Expose Phuket”, which highlighted the couple’s behaviour as inappropriate and potentially dangerous. According to the post, the incident took place on Thaveewong Road in Patong, Kathu district, a busy tourist area known for heavy traffic and nightlife. Observers noted that such conduct on a moving vehicle could pose risks not only to those involved but also to other road users.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

The page questioned whether such behaviour represented a small minority of tourists and also raised concerns about the intention behind filming the act. It also suggested that incidents like this could harm the image of Phuket as a tourism destination. The caption accompanying the clip criticised the conduct and called attention to standards expected of visitors.

Reaction online was mixed but largely critical, with many commenters expressing disapproval of the tourists’ actions. Some users argued that the driver should not have allowed such behaviour to take place, while others pointed out the potential safety hazards. A smaller number of viewers treated the incident humorously, focusing on the commentary heard in the video rather than the behaviour itself.

Local sentiment reflects ongoing concerns about maintaining order and safety in high-traffic tourist zones such as Patong. Incidents involving foreign visitors behaving in ways seen as inappropriate or risky often attract widespread attention online, amplifying calls for stricter oversight. Authorities and tourism stakeholders have previously emphasised the importance of preserving the island’s reputation.

Daily News reported that the incident may prompt renewed discussion about enforcement of safety regulations and driver responsibility in Phuket’s transport sector. Officials could face pressure to ensure that similar behaviour is discouraged, particularly in prominent tourist areas. Monitoring of social media incidents is also likely to continue as part of broader efforts to protect the province’s image.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 4 May 2026

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Yeah, now the image of Phuket as a tourist destination is forever damaged! It´s not the tourist's fault! It´s the fault of the person who filmed, that either was driving the car or was disturbing the driver of the car. It´s very important to think about road safety in Thailand.

All these quality tourists flocking to Phuket. St Tropez and Monaco must be like ghost towns with tumbleweeds blowing through the deserted streets

No sex, please, we're Thai!

I've never had a <deleted> in a tuk tuk--now it's on my bucket list!

Sadly the video is blurred making it difficult for me to be shocked by whatever was going on.

Edited May 5May 5 by Thingamabob

The tuk tuk driving was honking and the couple in the back were bonking.

The online world has gone insane for this type of transitory drivel. If nobody clicked or commented they would stop filming.

But that's the 21st Century thanks to big data and stupendous ROI for the rich.
"The rich get richer, the poor get the picture(s), the bombs'll never hit you while you're down so low"

Midnight Oil rocks on!

It would appear that Thailand is attracting a lot of lowlife souls these days, without any sort of filters or boundaries when it comes to showing respect to the locals. It's a shame as it might be giving the rest of us a bad name.

She was probably tying his shoelaces.

Come on, enough is enough! Where do these dogs come from? This is not normal behaviour, there must be something sadly wrong with these people, strange they don't seem to engage in this behaviour on the bus or train when they go to work everyday, why come over here and behave like animals?

Troll post removed.

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On 5/4/2026 at 4:43 AM, Georgealbert said:

Foreign tourists sparked online backlash after being filmed engaging in a lewd act on a moving taxi along Thaveewong Road in Patong, Phuket, on 3 May, raising concerns over safety and the resort’s image. The clip, widely shared on social media, shows a man and woman behaving in an inappropriate manner while the vehicle was in motion, appearing unconcerned by surrounding traffic. The footage quickly went viral, drawing criticism from local residents and online users.

Get today's headlines by email

The video was first posted by the Facebook page “Expose Phuket”, which highlighted the couple’s behaviour as inappropriate and potentially dangerous. According to the post, the incident took place on Thaveewong Road in Patong, Kathu district, a busy tourist area known for heavy traffic and nightlife. Observers noted that such conduct on a moving vehicle could pose risks not only to those involved but also to other road users.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

The page questioned whether such behaviour represented a small minority of tourists and also raised concerns about the intention behind filming the act. It also suggested that incidents like this could harm the image of Phuket as a tourism destination. The caption accompanying the clip criticised the conduct and called attention to standards expected of visitors.

Reaction online was mixed but largely critical, with many commenters expressing disapproval of the tourists’ actions. Some users argued that the driver should not have allowed such behaviour to take place, while others pointed out the potential safety hazards. A smaller number of viewers treated the incident humorously, focusing on the commentary heard in the video rather than the behaviour itself.

Local sentiment reflects ongoing concerns about maintaining order and safety in high-traffic tourist zones such as Patong. Incidents involving foreign visitors behaving in ways seen as inappropriate or risky often attract widespread attention online, amplifying calls for stricter oversight. Authorities and tourism stakeholders have previously emphasised the importance of preserving the island’s reputation.

Daily News reported that the incident may prompt renewed discussion about enforcement of safety regulations and driver responsibility in Phuket’s transport sector. Officials could face pressure to ensure that similar behaviour is discouraged, particularly in prominent tourist areas. Monitoring of social media incidents is also likely to continue as part of broader efforts to protect the province’s image.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 4 May 2026

View full article

Maybe she was just blowing up her rubber doll?

The guy filming this should be arrested too.It's dangerous to drive with only one hand on the steering wheel.

when in Rome... 😅... better than starting fights in bangla (pun intended) road... 😁

By the way, where is the uncensored vid? Asking for a friend...

Just now, Keeenok Powell said:

The guy filming this should be arrested too.It's dangerous to drive with only one hand on the steering wheel.

What baffles me most is how did this guy manage to film with one hand on the steering wheel and the other on his cxxk.

Just now, Thingamabob said:

Sadly the video is blurred making it difficult for me to be shocked by whatever was going on.

It was a tough <deleted> but I got there I the end.

Well in the words of Santa Claus. Ho, Ho, Ho.

Its getting to be the norm in Phuket and Pattaya tourists doing these lewd acts

Forget quality tourists coming to Thailand

They are going else where Vietnam Cambodia ect

Plus what's this about ruining the. Good reputation of Phuket and Pattaya 😱

That's why these low class tourists come in the first place

Had it been a thai couple, it would have been ok of course.

Fortunately for my delicate sensitivities, I have never been forced to witness such shocking activities in a tuk-tuk.

This does seem to be a recurring theme. When is the next show? (Asking for a friend.)

35 minutes ago, Vlada Floric said:

Come on, enough is enough! Where do these dogs come from? This is not normal behaviour, there must be something sadly wrong with these people, strange they don't seem to engage in this behaviour on the bus or train when they go to work everyday, why come over here and behave like animals?

It happens to many people that they park their brains at Survanabhumi airport upon arrival in Thailand.

Edited May 5May 5 by Shocked farang

Just now, Keeenok Powell said:

The guy filming this should be arrested too.It's dangerous to drive with only one hand on the steering wheel.

He's a voyeur, he was in the passenger seat, one hand holding the camera the other playing with his willie.

Just now, shackleton said:

Its getting to be the norm in Phuket and Pattaya tourists doing these lewd acts

It isn't that bad I would say about the frequency that a crane or overhead gantry collapses or a bus bursts into flames. But Thailand is worried about public bonking.

oh my god ! with all these video clips of people indulging in "lewd acts" needing to be verified , the outraged netizens must really "have their hands full" I worry they are in real danger of being overwhelmed.

prepare for a shortage of tissues and some queues at the opticians

If this continues, Thailand will lose its family friendly image and will stop attracting quality tourists! Something needs to be done soon or we'll end up surrounded by cheap Charlies!

Edited May 5May 5 by Shocked farang

On 5/4/2026 at 3:52 PM, unblocktheplanet said:

No sex, please, we're Thai!

I've never had a <deleted> in a tuk tuk--now it's on my bucket list!

Yeah. It’s become the thing to do and the more publicity it gets, the more will do it

5 hours ago, Keeenok Powell said:

The guy filming this should be arrested too.It's dangerous to drive with only one hand on the steering wheel.

And using a mobile phone while driving?

Happens so often now it's not even news......

Too bad the driver is so concerned with his fare that he doesn't pull over and say get the F out.

Just now, wensiensheng said:

And using a mobile phone while driving?

I thought it was standard in Thailand to use a mobile phone and drive.

UPDATE

Foreign Couple Arrested For lewd Act in Phuket