The Thai authorities talk the talk but don't walk the walk

They need to come down hard on tourists mis behaving stiffer fines Deportation

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Send out a message mis behaving will no longer be tolerated

It feels like there’s been a sudden explosion of it because social media is amplifying every incident instantly now — especially in places like Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Phangan where there are phones everywhere and local pages post everything within minutes.

But there are a few bigger things happening underneath it too.

Thailand is getting huge numbers of younger “party tourists”, long-stay remote workers, visa runners and budget travellers mixed together in the same hotspots. Songkran especially always pushes things over the edge because people treat it like a giant free-for-all. Authorities said this year they saw repeated cases involving:

• public sex acts,

• fighting,

• aggressive drunken behaviour,

• dine-and-dash scams,

• dangerous stunts,

• drug-related incidents,

• and tourists ignoring police instructions.

The government is reacting because locals are getting fed up and tourism numbers are softer than expected. Officials are openly talking now about wanting “higher-quality tourists” instead of just maximum numbers.

In Phuket and Pattaya particularly, there’s concern that:

• bad behaviour damages Thailand’s image,

• tourists think rules are optional,

• some foreigners are overstaying or working illegally,

• and certain areas are becoming difficult for locals to live in.

A lot of the recent stories went massively viral:

• French tourists arrested in Patong during Songkran disorder,

• couples having sex in tuk-tuks and on beaches in Phuket,

• reckless stunts in Pattaya,

• fights during water festivals,

• and repeated scams against restaurants and vendors.

The authorities probably also feel they let things slide too much after COVID because they desperately needed tourism money back. Now they’re trying to regain control before the situation hurts the country’s reputation longer term.

You can already see the shift:

• more immigration checks,

• more deportations,

• more blacklist threats,

• raids on illegal businesses,

• stricter visa scrutiny,

• and faster police responses to tourist incidents.

Most tourists are still fine of course. Millions come here and cause no issues at all. But the combination of cheap flights, social media “party destination” culture, drugs, alcohol, and people thinking Thailand has no consequences has definitely created a rougher atmosphere in some areas recently.

Thailand invited the riff-raff and got it, but now they are still not happy!

This shouldn’t be a crack down. Laws should be enforced against tourists every day of the year and gradually people coming here will start to realise that this place isn’t a free for all.

Of course, there is no reason why those same laws shouldn’t be rigorously enforced against all in Thailand, farang or not, tourist or not.

Not doing so perpetuates the understanding that you can get away with anything unless you happen to be unlucky.

Let’s also recognise that this crackdown is the result of the “rule by social media” movement currently in existence in Thailand. Meaning laws are enforced if enough people post examples of law breakers on social media and embarrass the police.

But anyway, do a two week crackdown so it looks like action is being taken and then it will be low season and tourists will be fewer and misbehaving less frequent and a success can be claimed…until next high season.

On 5/10/2026 at 5:41 AM, Georgealbert said:

Thailand’s Interior Ministry has ordered provincial authorities nationwide to take firm action against unruly foreign tourists, warning that offenders could face visa revocation and immediate deportation. The move follows reports of foreign visitors breaking laws, intimidating local residents and misusing tourist visas in several provinces.

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Interior permanent secretary Arsit Sampantharat, while supporting duties linked to the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, stated that inappropriate tourist behaviour had damaged Thailand’s tourism image and caused concern among residents. He said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed administrative officials, security agencies and tourism authorities to improve understanding of Thai culture and local ways of life among visitors and tourism operators.

Anutin also ordered provincial governors and provincial police commanders nationwide to direct local officials, police and related agencies to strictly enforce the law and strengthen preventive measures against illegal activities. Arsit said any legal violation must be dealt with decisively and without exception.

“Everything is already governed by law. No one can break the law, whether Thai or foreign,” Arsit said. He added that foreigners entering Thailand could not act as influential figures, carry out illegal activities, bully local people or behave against Thailand’s morals, culture or traditions.

The ministry’s warning comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign residents and businesses in popular tourist destinations. Reports from Surat Thani said Governor Chumphote Wannachatsiri had taken action in cases involving Israelis staying long term on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

Some individuals were reportedly using tourist visas to work, while others faced accusations of inappropriate behaviour or activities. Authorities are also investigating suspected nominee-style businesses, in cooperation with security agencies, immigration police and the provincial employment office.

In Phuket, Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn said authorities had worked with administrative and security officials, along with local business operators, to improve communication with tourists. The province has adopted a zero tolerance approach, with strict enforcement measures against offenders.

Officials said those found committing serious offences could immediately lose their right to remain in Thailand. Drivers caught operating vehicles without a valid licence would also be sent directly to court without exception.

The Nation reported that Nirat stressed that Phuket remained open to tourism, but visitors must respect local culture and the rights of residents. Authorities across Thailand are expected to continue monitoring tourist behaviour closely and coordinating enforcement efforts in the coming months.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 10 May 2026

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I hope it actually happens. It's time to put a cork in that bottle.

On 5/10/2026 at 10:38 AM, Wuvu2 said:

A few public canings with their shorts down around their ankles would do the trick. Tourists in Singapore are remarkably well-behaved 🙄

Exactly what I was thinking as I sit in Singapore with my 90 day entry permit. Strange how 90 day entry doesn't wreak havoc in competently policed Singapore, but is blamed for attracting troublesome tourists in Thailand.

No need to be on the street in seedy Soi Bangla Phuket nor walking street Pattaya, F that. What rubbish.

Bangkok has some of the best dining/night clubs in the world. After a few days of that fly into Krabi, off to Lanta, boat transfers islands south of there daily.

On 5/10/2026 at 6:13 AM, Jim Waldron said:

The threat of visa revocation and immediate deportation should be enough to make most people behave, but if this is what it takes, then so be it.

While the majority of foreign visitors manage to enjoy the country without causing chaos, there are always those for whom this tough action is warranted.

In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could.

"In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could."

I would guess that, at the moment, most tourists are totally unaware of possible consequences for any unruly behavior. I doubt that the majority of tourist read reports from websites such as AN.

"In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could."

I would guess that, at the moment, most tourists are totally unaware of possible consequences for any unruly behavior. I doubt that the majority of tourist read reports from websites such as AN.

I would also posit that even well behaved tourists would avoid Thailand altogether (in favor of Vietnam, Cambodia, etc) if Thailand overdoes it or looks like they're kicking people out arbitrarily. That's a tough balancing act.

Having spent many years on Koh Samui I can all but guarantee that nothing will change. Renting of motorcycles is a major industry. Foreign driving licences or indeed any kind of driving licence is never asked for by shops . It is a major industry. Now and then the police will stop cyclists and issue fines and away you go. On one occasion I counted thirty six people lined up to pay their fine. The police themselves are reluctant to interfere with what is a major scource of income for the locals. Additional the police too live alongside the locals and the last thing that they need is to be ostracized. The only answer is to confiscate the cycles and that act would lead to very strong reactions.

Thailand might like to address why it attracts so many trouble makers. As far as I know, neighbouring countries don't have the same problem.

4 minutes ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Thailand might like to address why it attracts so many trouble makers. As far as I know, neighbouring countries don't have the same problem.

Reputation as a sex capital has people believing anything goes. Seedy areas attract seedy people. and some are dangerous and destructive. Beautiful beaches and good food, along with easy women, makes it attractive to all kinds, and some think it gives them a license to go haywire.

The rules should be applied to all, not just the foreigners. The Thais can be just as bad as the dimwit Foreigners. So I agree with the crackdown, however I don’t believe it will happen unless the police force get out there and do their jobs. There have been so many great ideas here but they just don’t follow through with them. Maybe one day.

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Just focus on the Russians and the Israelis. That would go a long way toward making the place more civil.

I’m 100% for this, if they’ll really do it!

Just a thought, the government and police should get their own house in order first, and keep law and order for All!

2 hours ago, loong said:

"In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could."

I would guess that, at the moment, most tourists are totally unaware of possible consequences for any unruly behavior. I doubt that the majority of tourist read reports from websites such as AN.

Fair comment- make it clear to all victors you are welcome as long as you are well behaved- but if you act badly you are out and banned forever

Don’t they just love to pretend they’re superior to outsiders. Issue is unruly behavior should be dealt with no matter who does it. A lot of especially young tourist see lawlessness across the board relative to their home country and mixed with a sense adventure produce such behavior. Why we don’t see much of this in places like Singapore, Japan or China? Because the locals don’t behave as such due to strict rules and culture.

Reading good points in this forum, law enforcement, top - down corruption eradication, first top, then going down to the villages where vote buying takes place for instance. However, the biggest impact is still missing and that's closing the gate where they could potentially onboard, not by Immigration rules and enforcement in Thailand, but by visa rules, e.g. Thai Embassy in India (and other countries of course) request a two million Baht bank statement, checked and stamped before you can even think about buying a plane ticket.

Guess how fast you will get rid of scam, thugs, weet tourists and other non-voleurs in your country. Yes, the scam leaders could still enter, but these numbers are small, and you pick them out by smell.

45 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

Don’t they just love to pretend they’re superior to outsiders. Issue is unruly behavior should be dealt with no matter who does it. A lot of especially young tourist see lawlessness across the board relative to their home country and mixed with a sense adventure produce such behavior. Why we don’t see much of this in places like Singapore, Japan or China? Because the locals don’t behave as such due to strict rules and culture.

I don't think tourists in their 20s or 30s would go to Singapore, China or Japan for fun, by which I mean partying by the sea with warm weather throughout the northern hemisphere's winter.

Hopefully a strict clampdown on unruly behaviour with prison sentences followed by deportation will have some effect.

I was surprised to hear an announcement in both Thai and English on the Nong Khai- Bangkok train, warning in the case of drunks disturbing others on the train, they would be thrown off at the next station!

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Just focus on the Russians and the Israelis. That would go a long way toward making the place more civil.

British brawlers are causing more problems than Israelis. And Chinese gun dealers with suicide bomber vests upset me personally more than anything else.

Here's my opinion, yes crack down on unruly behavior...but for both foreigners and Thais, also, Thailand take some responsibility, after all, it is Thailand/Thais that provides the alcohol and drugs, and encourages the use of both, by NOT holding bars, drug dealers responsible...they need to crackdown on the root cause, as do many other countries. Also, enforce pay as you go for drinks..no surprise "padded" tabs.

14 minutes ago, John Drake said:

British brawlers are causing more problems than Israelis. And Chinese gun dealers with suicide bomber vests upset me personally more than anything else.

I happen to find suicide bomber vest very offensive too. Especially when they're loaded with explosives.

Police are still congregating around checkpoints in large numbers, hoping to scam a few bikers. While this seems to be the main priority (and has been for years) there's no chance of any normal policing being done on the streets etc.

Nothing changes ..... how many times as this been said.

On 5/10/2026 at 10:23 AM, Patong2021 said:

Care to share how you know it was an "Israeli" guy? And why would you even mention it? The video and the people who observed said that he was a French language speaker. Patong does have a problem with French Mahgreb hooligans. Seems that you keep spawning with new user names to continue your propaganda campaign. It's tiresome.

Israelis have an easy to hear accent. 😉

On 5/10/2026 at 10:02 AM, DonniePeverley said:

What happened to the 30 day visa ?

Knew they wouldn't go ahead with it.

Same every year for years now. They make this proposal but simply can't go ahead with it.

30 days exempt or any visa will not stop the hooligans .Thailand is going to the dogs. The police have to do their job, anyone breaking the law and generally being a nuisance to all , Thai and foreigners, needs to be arrested and deported. That will put a stop to many . The drunk and drugged that are often on the pavements is another problem. Fix it. I live in a tourist resort and we don’t have these problems. Ask yourself why its mostly Phuket and Pattaya, also the islands !

Why do you not see this in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, even Bali which has turned into a tourist ghetto does not have these problems. Why, because the police will not put up with it !!!.Thats what thailand needs to do.

6 hours ago, Xonax said:

Thailand invited the riff-raff and got it, but now they are still not happy!

That’s the issue really.

Not so much the free visa period, but the fact that a lot of tourist areas operate on the basis of anything goes.

Create that type of environment, and that’s the type of tourist that you get.

On 5/10/2026 at 6:13 AM, Jim Waldron said:

The threat of visa revocation and immediate deportation should be enough to make most people behave, but if this is what it takes, then so be it.

While the majority of foreign visitors manage to enjoy the country without causing chaos, there are always those for whom this tough action is warranted.

In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could.

I love it. I think it will serve to get rid of offenders, not so sure that type of person has enough brains to consider consequences before hand thought. It's not like they're actually paying attention to the norms of behavior in the first place. If they didn't learn proper behavior when their parents made it "loud and clear" to them, if they didn't bring their own moral compass, I doubt they'll learn anything except the hard way. I don't know how incentivized Thai officials are to plaster offenders' faces all over the media, but it would take exactly that kind of media publicity campaign to have any effect, in my humble opinion. Then, how is the word going to get out to people who don't care in the first place? Maybe a giant billboard at every airport arrival gate showing a tourist behind bars crying into their phone? Videos of offenders playing nonstop on airport TV screens?

This tourist didn't get the memo, clearly. Took a Yamaha N-max, Off-Road (video in link).

I'm sure the bike owner will make him pay dearly.

At least he became famous this evening on Thai News.