Backlash grows after 2 foreigners walk naked on Phuket road

Two foreign tourists were seen walking naked on a road in Phuket’s Kata-Laemsai area on April 28, triggering backlash over how police and other officials handled the incident. Images shared online showed the pair standing by the roadside without clothing while with a group of friends.

The Phuket Times Facebook page posted the images, which appeared to be screenshots from video. Thai passersby reportedly tried to warn the two foreigners, but they did not respond.

Social media criticism focused on police response

The images showed the two men smoking cigarettes while others in their group remained clothed. The source of the footage was not identified.

The post drew nearly 3,000 responses and about 700 comments. Many users questioned why no immediate action was visible and criticized what they saw as weak enforcement.

Some comments called for penalties beyond a fine, while others said similar cases in the past had ended without meaningful consequences. Phuket police had not issued an official statement on the incident.

Recent cases raised questions about enforcement

In a separate case in Patong, a group of foreigners riding in a tuk tuk were reported to have exposed themselves to other road users by taking turns lowering their trousers.

Two more incidents were reported in September last year. On Sept. 26, a foreign man was filmed dancing naked on Bangla Road.

In another case the same month, a naked foreign man in Patong reportedly attacked a traffic police officer who tried to restrain him. Additional officers were called in to bring the situation under control.

Police did not publicly clarify legal proceedings or penalties in several of those cases.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/2-naked-foreign-men-in-phuket-prompt-criticism-of-police-response