Phuket officials rules entry fee legal but condemn racist behaviour

*Phuket Commerce Office addressed backlash after a shop owner made a racist gesture towards a Chinese tourist and charged an entry fee.*

Published: 2026-03-14 17:55 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket officials have confirmed that a local souvenir shop’s 40-baht entry fee is legal, but have strongly condemned the owner’s racist behaviour towards a Chinese tourist, following a viral incident that drew widespread criticism from both Thai and international audiences.

The controversy began when a video surfaced on Chinese social media platform Douyin, showing the owner of “Positive Thinking,” a ceramic and souvenir shop in Phuket, making a racist gesture by pulling at her eyes and sticking out her tongue in front of a Chinese customer. The incident quickly attracted attention online, with many netizens expressing outrage over the gesture, which was widely seen as offensive and damaging to Thailand’s reputation as a welcoming tourist destination.

Allegations also emerged in online discussions that the shop regularly charges visitors a 40-baht entry fee, prompting questions about the legality and fairness of the practice. Some users described the fee as unjust, especially for those who did not intend to make a purchase.

In response to the backlash, officials from the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office visited the shop on February 15 to investigate both the owner’s conduct and the entry fee policy. After reviewing the situation, officials stated that the shop is within its rights to charge an entry fee, provided that clear signage is displayed. The shop was found to have posted notices in Thai, English, and Chinese, informing customers of the 40-baht charge and clarifying that the fee could be deducted from any purchase made.

While the entry fee was deemed lawful, officials stressed that the owner’s behaviour in the video was inappropriate and unacceptable. They warned that such conduct could seriously damage Phuket’s image among international visitors, particularly as tourism is a key pillar of the local economy and community livelihoods.

Local authorities have urged all business operators in Phuket to treat foreign tourists with respect and to avoid actions that could be perceived as discriminatory. The shop owner reportedly agreed to comply with these expectations and refrain from similar behaviour in the future.

Looking ahead, the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office announced plans to step up inspections of local businesses, increasing visits to three times per week. Additionally, training sessions on customer relations and appropriate business practices are expected to be introduced for shop owners and staff. Officials emphasized that these measures aim to prevent further incidents and ensure that Phuket remains a welcoming destination for all visitors.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/phuket-officials-rules-entry-fee-legal-but-condemn-racist-behaviour