Thai immigration authorities have revoked the visas of two French nationals and ordered their deportation after a video showed them engaging in explicit sexual activity on a Phuket tuk tuk. Officials said the incident violated Thai law, breached public standards, and damaged the image of Phuket as an international tourist destination.
Incident on Busy Phuket Road Involving Phuket Tuk Tuk
The incident took place on January 30 along the Kathu to Patong road, one of Phuket’s busiest routes linking the island’s interior with Patong Beach. A Phuket tuk tuk is an open-sided vehicle used for short-distance transport and is legally treated as a public space.
Video footage and images circulated rapidly on social media and triggered strong backlash from Thai residents and online users. Authorities said the behaviour showed a lack of respect for local laws and social norms. Public conduct in Thailand is expected to remain modest and respectful, especially in shared spaces.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Police later identified and arrested the couple, named only as Mr Wesley and Ms Valen. Both are French citizens. Their full names were not released. They were charged with committing an obscene act in public, an offence under Thai law covering public nudity and lewd conduct.
Each was fined 5,000 baht, which they paid. Immigration officials then reviewed the case and ruled the offence serious enough to revoke their permission to stay in Thailand.
Visa Revocation and Deportation Process
On Monday, officers from the Phuket Immigration Office located Mr Wesley at a hotel in Thalang district and Ms Valen at a hotel in Muang district. Both were escorted to the immigration office, formally notified of their visa revocation, and placed on Thailand’s immigration blacklist. Deportation will proceed under standard legal procedures.
Officials said the case followed national policy aimed at preventing offences by foreign nationals, including actions affecting public order and Thailand’s international standing.
Pol Col Khemchat Watthanaphakasem, chief of Phuket Immigration, said enforcement efforts will continue to protect public safety and maintain confidence among residents and visitors. He reminded tourists and expats that Thai laws and cultural expectations apply equally to everyone, particularly in public spaces such as a Phuket tuk tuk.
