Patong police approve Phuket rally on foreign tourist conduct under strict conditions

Patong police have approved a ‘Phuket Land Protection’ gathering at Loma Park, or Dolphin Park, under conditions requiring it to remain peaceful, orderly and within the law.

Pol Lt Col Somporn Surin, deputy superintendent of Patong Police Station, confirmed the approval on 25 August 2026. The gathering is scheduled to run from 2pm to 6pm, with organisers expecting more than 500 residents, business owners and operators from across Phuket.

Organisers say the event will give people affected by the behaviour of some foreign tourists an opportunity to share their experiences before discussions with relevant government agencies. They say the group was formed to urge foreign visitors to obey Thai laws and respect local residents’ way of life.

The group has raised allegations involving some Israeli tourists, including disputes over food payments and tuk-tuk fares, vehicle damage and confrontations with other foreign tourists. It has also alleged that some Israeli tourists primarily spend money at Israeli-owned businesses. These claims were made by the group.

Police said officers would monitor the gathering. Pol Lt Col Somporn warned that any breach of the agreement could result in the event being terminated immediately and legal action being taken.

Police also asked organisers and participants not to bring Palestinian flags or symbols linked to international conflicts, saying this was intended to keep the focus on local concerns rather than global political disputes.