Phuket revokes Austrian man’s visa after repeated disturbances in Rawai

Phuket immigration officers have revoked the visa of a 39-year-old Austrian man and ordered his deportation after repeated public disturbances in Rawai, authorities said.

Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that the man, identified only as Mr. Raphael, was reported by local residents for disruptive behavior that included blocking traffic lanes, harassing passersby for money and appearing intoxicated in public.

Authorities said videos of his behavior circulated widely on Thai social media on Tuesday, May 19, prompting a swift investigation by immigration officers. The footage showed Raphael riding his motorcycle slowly in the middle of a road in Rawai, obstructing traffic and causing congestion. It also showed him approaching another foreign motorcyclist outside a convenience store and asking for money.

Some residents said Raphael became aggressive or threatening when people refused to give him cash, and that some victims eventually handed over money. Witnesses also suspected he may have been under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Police were later called to the area and detained him.

Officials confirmed that Raphael had entered Thailand on a temporary tourist visa and later applied for a student visa to study Thai language and culture. According to the new reports, investigators found he had not been attending activities related to the conditions of that visa.

According to immigration authorities, his repeated misconduct, often linked to alcohol consumption, was considered a serious violation of public order. Officials said he had previously received warnings and minor penalties but continued to cause disturbances.

Authorities concluded that his behavior posed a threat to community safety and harmed the country’s tourism image. Under Section 54 of the Immigration Act of 1979, his permission to remain in Thailand was revoked and deportation proceedings were initiated.