Social media slams 2 foreigners for playing football inside Phuket mall

Social media in Phuket erupted on May 11 after the Phuket Times page posted a clip showing two foreign men, believed to be Russian, playing football inside a well-known shopping mall in Muang district. The video shows one man taking off his shoes before kicking the ball around inside the mall as shoppers moved through the area.

The footage quickly drew criticism because the pair were playing among large numbers of people inside the building. Online comments condemned the conduct as inappropriate for a busy retail space.

Clip shows warnings ignored as calls grow for tighter mall security

The video indicates at least one person tried to warn the men, but they continued playing. That prompted concern that the ball could strike children or older people, or damage shop property nearby.

Commenters also questioned the mall’s security response and called for stricter action against unruly tourist behavior. One post suggested charging 10 times the cost of any damaged property.

Residents said they have recently seen more cases of inappropriate conduct by foreign tourists in well-known Phuket tourist areas. The backlash online also reflected worries that such incidents could harm Phuket’s tourism image.

Source: https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/5853049/