TikTok video of 150 baht coconut in Phuket divides Thai internet
A foreign TikToker recently posted about the price of a coconut on Patong Beach in Phuket yesterday, April 22, pointing out the upcharge in tourist areas, which were met with mixed reactions as debates raged on in the…
A TikTok video posted on April 22 by a foreign tourist has sparked debate across Thai social media after highlighting the 150 baht price of a coconut on Patong Beach in Phuket. The clip, uploaded by user @rk.k1ng, shows the man holding the coconut and remarking in Thai that it cost him far more than the 25 baht he pays at home, prompting a surge of online reactions.
Social Media Backlash and Defenses
The video quickly drew hundreds of comments, with many Thai users criticizing the poster for complaining about the cost. Responses included, “Why you buy it if you think it’s expensive?” and “Go back home for your cheap coconut then.”
Some users questioned the man’s visa status, while others condemned the hostile tone of certain replies, arguing that tourists should be treated respectfully and that the real issue was price transparency.
Price Comparisons and Vendor Explanations
Foreign commenters joined the discussion, noting that high coconut prices are common in tourist hotspots. One cited a coconut at Samui International Airport costing 159 baht as another example.
Thai users pointed out that vendors in areas like Patong face higher rents and operating costs, which they say justifies the markup. Others countered that coconuts can cost as little as two baht wholesale at plantations, accusing middlemen and retailers of taking advantage of tourists.
No government agency or provincial office has issued a statement or announced an investigation into coconut pricing in Phuket.
Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/foreign-tiktoker-triggers-online-debate-after-complaint-on-coconut-price-in-phuket
