Patong Police confirmed that at about 12:12am, the man, later identified as Aidan Jesse Phillimore, 44, was seen removing his clothes and dancing on Bangla Rd. The incident was quickly shared across social media, drawing widespread attention.
Officers from Patong Police Station moved to locate Mr Phillimore following the reports. He was found later in the day and taken into custody. A search of his belongings uncovered 0.89 grams of psilocybin “dung” mushrooms, which are classified in Thailand as a Category 5 narcotic.
Police said Mr Phillimore was also found to have overstayed his visa by 162 days. He now faces charges of possession of a Category 5 narcotic, overstaying his visa, and public indecency for stripping and dancing in the entertainment street.
The arrest was carried out at 5pm Friday by a team of officers from Patong Police Station’s investigation and Bangla Rd patrol units.
Mr Phillimore was taken to Patong Police Station where at last report he remained in custody pending legal proceedings. Police confirmed he will be prosecuted according to Thai law, with separate charges for the narcotics, immigration and public order offences.