Police in Phuket have arrested two foreign tourists after a video showing a lewd act on a tuk-tuk in Patong spread widely on social media, prompting swift legal action and concerns over the island’s tourism image. The incident, which occurred at about 05:00 on 3 May 2026, drew strong public criticism and triggered a joint response from police and immigration authorities.

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The individuals were identified as Ruben, 41, a Spanish national, and Cinthia, 43, a Peruvian national. Footage showed the woman performing a sexual act on the man while on a tuk-tuk in a public area in Patong, Kathu district. The clip circulated online, with many users criticising the behaviour as inappropriate and damaging to Phuket’s reputation as a major tourist destination.

Following orders from senior immigration officials, Phuket Immigration worked with investigators from Patong Police Station to locate the pair. They were tracked down and brought in for questioning. When presented with the video evidence, both admitted they were the individuals in the footage.

Police charged them with committing an indecent act in public by exposing the body or engaging in obscene behaviour before the public. Legal proceedings under Thai law were completed, authorities said. Officials stressed that such conduct violates both legal standards and cultural norms, particularly in high-visibility tourist areas.

Immigration authorities also confirmed that the pair would be deported from Thailand and that steps were being taken to place them on a blacklist to prevent future entry. The action was taken on the grounds that their behaviour caused damage to the country’s tourism image and public morality.

Officials reiterated that strict measures will be enforced against tourists whose actions disrupt public order or harm the reputation of key destinations such as Phuket. They urged all visitors to respect Thai laws, regulations and cultural expectations during their stay.

Thaitabloid reported that authorities said enforcement efforts would continue to focus on maintaining appropriate conduct in tourist hotspots, with rapid responses to incidents that gain public attention. The case is expected to serve as a warning to other visitors about the consequences of inappropriate behaviour in public spaces.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 6 May 2026

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Just now, Humpy said:

His arm full of ink says it all.

Both my arms and my chest are full of ink yet I've never committed a sex act in a tuk tuk. At 82 years of age I'm hardly likely to either.

21 minutes ago, boloaf said:

Both my arms and my chest are full of ink yet I've never committed a sex act in a tuk tuk. At 82 years of age I'm hardly likely to either.

My condolences🤣

33 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The clip circulated online, with many users criticising the behaviour as inappropriate and damaging to Phuket’s reputation as a major tourist destination.

Phukets reputation is globally renowned... which is probably why they thought it was okay

Just now, Emdog said:

Have they caught and punished whoever shot and posted the video? Something about 'computer crimes' law

What computer crime was committed by those recording the act and posting the video that showed precisely nothing?

Just now, impulse said:

I'm with you... How can a tryst at 5:00 be illegal? That's the kind of holiday story that'll have thousands of Spaniards booking flights to Thailand.

You really don't understand how getting blown in public is illegal?

The ride was 200 baht. The deportation? Priceless.

So that's them being helped into the police truck by the 'chauffeur'. They should have been handcuffed and publically shamed...

Just now, simon43 said:

So that's them being helped into the police truck by the 'chauffeur'. They should have been handcuffed and publically shamed...

Why? They're hot blooded people and should be given a pass. Seems like many posters have been dead beneath the belt line for decades.

Just now, Jonathan Swift said:

The video is now going viral along with the story. I think that amounts to extreme shaming. Everyone these people know will see it, young and old. Many more people than if Thailand were to shame them from here.

Shaming?!? With every girl spreading it over the Internet & all those dick pics, they're superstars.

Deportation and banned for life is complete overreach. So they offended one dried-up old prude in the car behind. So <deleted> what?

Shaming?!? With every girl spreading it all over the Internet & all those dick pics, they're superstars.

Deportation and banned for life is complete overreach. So they offended one dried-up old prude in the car behind. So <deleted> what?

Such a VDO could have been used to advertise Thailand as a country where you don't have to be in bed in a hotel room to have fun, missed opportunity for tourism advertising.

That saying, "Get a room" comes to mind.

Shaming?!? With every girl spreading it over the Internet & all those dick pics, they're superstars.

Deportation and banned for life is complete overreach. So they offended one dried-up old prude in the car behind. So <deleted> what?

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Legal proceedings under Thai law were completed, authorities said.

And? What happened? Have I missed something?

Edit: Just seen I missed the small matter of their deportation ...

Edited May 6May 6 by BusyB

Sounds a bit extrerme, in the UK you'd need to stab about 20 people to get deported.

You got that bang-on.

Sounds a bit extreme, in the UK you'd need to stab about 20 people to get deported.

You got that bang-on.

This girl's got nothing on a Peruana I once knew.

Just now, Georgealbert said:

Ruben, 41, a Spanish national, and Cinthia, 43, a Peruvian national

When a Spaniard reunites with his colonial subject and flames ignite.

Just now, Georgealbert said:

Immigration authorities also confirmed that the pair would be deported from Thailand and that steps were being taken to place them on a blacklist to prevent future entry. The action was taken on the grounds that their behaviour caused damage to the country’s tourism image and public morality.

Sounds a bit extrerme, in the UK you'd need to stab about 20 people to get deported.

500bht fine each would have been more appropriate IMHO!

Edited May 6May 6 by BritManToo

His arm full of ink says it all.

Good news is that the barely dressed underage girls on Bangla Road advertising their "wares" are being recruited to improve the image of Phuket and tourism 🤔

Shaming?!? With every girl spreading it all over the Internet & all those dick pics, they're superstars.

Deportation and banned for life is complete overreach. So they offended one dried-up old prude in the car behind. So <deleted> what?

Just now, flaming dragon said:

Why? They're hot blooded people and should be given a pass. Seems like many posters have been dead beneath the belt line for decades.

You can't be serious? If you are... Then you're part of the problem.

Just now, BritManToo said:

Sounds a bit extrerme, in the UK you'd need to stab about 20 people to get deported.

500bht fine each would have been more appropriate IMHO!

and why is the UK in such a mess?

24 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

500bht fine each would have been more appropriate IMHO!

2.000.- Because is Spanish.

Just now, 1happykamper said:

You can't be serious? If you are... Then you're part of the problem.

Of course I'm serious. Have you ever dated a Latina? You've got to be willing to go, any time, any place.

1 hour ago, Frankie baby said:

Sounds a bit extreme, in the UK you'd need to stab about 20 people to get deported.

You got that bang-on.

No no. That's the requirement to get imported

Spaniard dude and Peruvian chick...

Did anyone win the lottery guessing that combo? My guess is that the pot just got bigger for the next case.

31 minutes ago, chrisbangkok said:

Good news is that the barely dressed underage girls on Bangla Road advertising their "wares" are being recruited to improve the image of Phuket and tourism 🤔

Underage girls on Bangla? Under age for what, great grandmotherhood?