Two foreign men accused of soliciting money from tourists at Patong Beach

An Instagram report published on 10 August 2026 alleged that two foreign men were soliciting money from tourists at several locations along Patong Beach in Phuket.

According to the report, the men were wearing traditional thobes and head coverings and carrying black bags. Witnesses said the pair claimed they could not speak English, although they had earlier been heard speaking English with tourists. The men reportedly left quickly when a witness began taking photographs.

Tourists who spoke with the men told the report that they were begging for money. Some netizens claimed the funds were intended for a school in Pakistan, but that claim was not independently established in the report.

Residents said they had observed the activity continuously for several days and urged relevant authorities to investigate. Government agencies have not confirmed whether the men committed any illegal acts.