Thailand Orders Deportation and Blacklisting of Foreign Tourists Over Lewd Behavior in Phuket

Brickinfo News Agency – Thai authorities have initiated the immediate deportation and blacklisting of two foreign tourists following a viral video depicting obscene behavior on a tuk-tuk in Patong. The swift legal action, which follows a direct order from the Prime Minister to strictly enforce laws regarding tourist conduct, aims to protect the country’s cultural image and maintain public order in world-class destinations like Phuket.

The incident, which surfaced on social media, occurred in the early hours of May 3, 2026, in the Patong area of Kathu District. Following an investigation by Patong Police, authorities arrested 41-year-old Ruben, a Spanish national, and 43-year-old Cynthia, a Peruvian national, on the night of May 4. Both individuals reportedly confessed to the acts shown in the footage after being confronted with evidence by investigators.

The suspects were charged with public indecency, specifically for committing a shameful act in public by exposing their bodies or performing other lewd acts. While the tourists have already undergone the standard legal process and paid the required fines, the Phuket Immigration office moved to escalate the penalties, citing that their behavior was a severe breach of Thai customs and detrimental to the island’s tourism reputation.

Beyond the initial fines, immigration officials have processed the duo for repatriation and are currently submitting evidence to place them on the national blacklist. This designation will permanently ban both individuals from re-entering Thailand. The government maintains that such measures are necessary to deter future visitors from disregarding local laws and sensitivities.

The crackdown follows specific instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior. He has mandated that all relevant agencies increase surveillance in tourist zones to ensure that visitors adhere to the law, particularly concerning cultural preservation and narcotics.

“The Prime Minister has instructed relevant agencies to be strict with tourists to maintain Thailand’s tourism image and build confidence among travelers,” said Ploythalay Laksameesangchan, Deputy Government Spokeswoman. “For tourists who behave inappropriately or cause distress, legal action must be taken strictly without exception, especially regarding behaviors that contradict Thailand’s fine culture.”