Phuket officials meet ceramic shop owner after clash with Chinese tourists
Phuket officials met a ceramic shop owner in Phuket Old Town after a dispute with Chinese tourists went viral, prompting renewed warnings over conduct that could harm the island’s tourism image.
Officials led by Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul visited a ceramic shop in Phuket Old Town on Wednesday afternoon, May 20, after a dispute between the owner and Chinese tourists drew criticism on social media.
Authorities said the visit was intended to defuse tensions and protect Phuket’s tourism image following the incident, which was reported to have taken place on May 17.
A video widely shared online allegedly showed the shop owner arguing with Chinese tourists after they entered the shop without paying a B40 admission fee or making purchases. Online posts also accused the owner of waving a shoe and attempting to strike tourists with an umbrella during the dispute.
The backlash spread particularly among Chinese social media users, who raised concerns about the treatment of tourists in Phuket Old Town.
Siwat was accompanied by Deputy District Chiefs Thiti Bunyasathien and Apichat Chantrawong, as well as officers from Phuket City Police, Phuket Tourist Police and Phuket City Municipality. Officials said the purpose of the meeting was to establish the facts and encourage more appropriate communication with tourists.
Siwat said business operators should speak politely with visitors and clearly inform customers when a B40 entrance fee applies.
Authorities said the discussions were constructive and that the shop owner agreed to adjust behaviour and improve communication with tourists.
Officials said all agencies and business operators agreed on using a gentle approach in welcoming and communicating with tourists in order to maintain the warm and friendly image of Phuket Old Town.
The latest controversy follows a similar incident in February involving the same ceramic shop on Yaowarat Road, when videos showing tourists being asked to pay a B40 entry fee went viral on Chinese social media platforms including Douyin.
At that time, the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office said charging an entrance or service fee was legal as long as prices and conditions were clearly displayed in line with national pricing regulations. Officials who inspected the shop in February found notices in Thai, English and Chinese stating that the B40 fee could be deducted from purchases made inside the store.
Authorities also warned the owner then to take greater care in dealing with tourists, saying inappropriate behaviour could damage Phuket’s image and affect confidence among international visitors, particularly Chinese tourists.
