Foreign beggar accused of spitting at Phuket travel agency worker

A foreign woman allegedly spat at a Thai travel agency worker after being asked to stop approaching customers for money in Patong, Phuket, on 16 August 2026.

The incident reportedly took place at about midnight at an agency in Soi Saen Sabai. The Phuket Times Facebook page reported the incident on 17 August and published CCTV footage.

According to reports by Phuket Times and ThaiRath, a group of foreign people, reportedly from Middle Eastern countries, regularly walk along the street with a child while asking foreign tourists for money. On the night of the incident, one woman allegedly entered the agency and approached customers.

The employee reportedly asked her to stop, saying the behaviour was disturbing customers. Phuket Times reported that the woman then swore at the employee, told her to mind her own business and allegedly spat at her before leaving.

The employee reportedly told a colleague what had happened. ThaiRath said the colleague went to the area carrying a chair, which was believed to have been taken in case of a confrontation, but the group had already left.

The identity and nationality of the people involved have not been disclosed. The reports did not identify a police statement or legal proceedings arising from the incident.

The incident prompted discussion among Thai social media users. Some users said begging is illegal in Thailand and called for action by local officials and police, while others claimed they had encountered the same or a similar group asking for money and food.