A video showing two French tourists engaging in an indecent act on a moving tuk-tuk in Phuket has prompted swift police action, resulting in fines and further administrative measures, authorities confirmed. The clip, which circulated widely online and drew sharp criticism for potentially harming the island’s image as a family-friendly holiday destination, was reported to local police by concerned residents earlier this week.
According to police, the video showed the pair inappropriately exposing themselves while riding in the back of a tuk-tuk along a hill in Patong, one of Phuket’s busiest tourist zones. Officers traced the footage back to the tourists after receiving photos and details from a member of the public, allowing them to locate the suspects for questioning.
The Video Attracts Massive Publicity
Numerous viewers condemned the mannerism depicted in the video claiming that it tarnished the picture of Phuket as a family holiday destination. The video captured two tourists who were inappropriately acting as they rode in a moving tuk-tuk, and this aroused the concern of the local people.
Upon viewing the video, one of the concerned citizens reported the matter to the police and provided pictures and information about the event. The data assisted the officers in starting with their investigation promptly.
Fines and Blacklisting Under Thai Law
The two French nationals — identified as Valentine Celine Johanne and Crouzier Wesley Franck — admitted their involvement when interviewed by police on Jan 31. Both were charged with committing an indecent act in public, a violation under Thai law that can carry fines. Each was fined 5,000 baht (about S$200) as the case was settled without going to court.
In a more recent development reported by Thailand media outlets, immigration officials have revoked the pair’s visas and placed them on a blacklist, barring them from returning to Thailand for up to a decade. This suggests authorities are taking the incident seriously not only as a legal offence but also as one that could affect the nation’s tourism reputation.
Tourist Image Still an Issue
Online reaction to the video has been intense. Many social media users condemned the behaviour as disrespectful to Thai culture and local norms, arguing that such public acts “damage the image of the resort island” and detract from Phuket’s appeal to families and mainstream travellers.
However, this is not the first case of this nature. Other clips showing dangerous stunts, reckless driving and contentious conduct by foreigners have in recent months drawn attention online and spurred local authorities to step up enforcement on safety and public order.
A Cautionary Moment for Travellers
Phuket remains one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, heavily reliant on visitors for its local economy. Incidents like this underscore the tightrope between individual behaviour and collective perceptions of respect, culture and safety in public spaces.
While fines and blacklisting send a clear message about enforcement, the episode also highlights how short social media clips can rapidly escalate into full-blown public controversies with diplomatic and legal implications — especially in places where tourism is a central pillar of local life.
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