Phuketarrests tourist for graffiti

Phuket police arrested a Portuguese tourist on April 14 after he allegedly spray-painted graffiti on the wall of an Islamic graveyard at Ao Makham in Muang district. Officers from Wichit police station detained the 42-year-old man, identified as Henrique, and seized 87 used spray cans, a paint container, and a roller at the scene. He faces charges of damaging public property, according to police.

Items Seized and Local Reaction

Police reported that the seized materials included a large quantity of used spray cans, which were collected as evidence. A foreign woman was also questioned in connection with the incident, though her involvement remains under investigation.

Local Islamic community leaders, along with other residents, voiced anger over the graffiti on the religious site. The incident drew immediate attention from both law enforcement and community representatives.

Separate Arrests During Songkran

In a separate case, Patong police detained seven French tourists on April 12 for splashing water, blocking traffic, and disturbing others on Prachanukhro Road during Songkran festivities. The group was fined and formally warned after refusing to comply with police orders to disperse.

Authorities said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to maintain order during the holiday period, which saw heightened enforcement in tourist areas.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3237804/phuket-arrests-tourist-for-graffiti