Phuket Tourist Police say viral tuk-tuk video showed dancing, not sexual activity

Phuket Tourist Police said an investigation into a viral tuk-tuk video found no sexual activity, contrary to claims widely shared online.

The footage prompted allegations that two tourist couples were behaving indecently on public transport while friends filmed them for social media content. But officers from Tourist Police Bureau Division 2 said that after tracking down the tourists in the video and the tuk-tuk driver, and reviewing the full footage, they concluded the group had not engaged in any obscene acts.

According to police, the tourists were instead "dancing and playfully interacting with each other to music" while riding in the vehicle. Officers said short clips circulated online may have appeared suggestive, but the complete video did not show obscene behaviour.

Police said they nevertheless advised the tourists about appropriate conduct in public places and the risk of misunderstandings, especially in a major tourist destination such as Phuket. Officers added that behaviour seen as harmless among friends can be misinterpreted when taken out of context on social media and may affect the island’s image.

The clarification followed an online report alleging the tourists had been openly engaging in sexual acts and creating "sex-themed content" while travelling through Phuket. Tourist Police said their investigation found no evidence to support those claims.