Phuket Immigration and Patong Police confirmed that the pair were removed from the country following the incident, which occurred at about 5am last Sunday (May 3) in Patong.
Images circulated online showed the couple engaging in a sexual act in a parked tuk-tuk in a public area, drawing widespread criticism over the inappropriate behaviour.
The individuals were later identified as ‘Mr Ruben’, 41, a Spanish national, and ‘Ms Cynthia’, 43, a Peruvian national.
Investigators from Patong Police Station, working with Phuket Immigration officers, tracked down and apprehended the pair at 8:30pm on Monday (May 4). When presented with photographic evidence, both admitted to being the persons in the images.
They were initially charged with jointly committing an act likely to cause public embarrassment by exposing their bodies or engaging in indecent conduct in a public place. Legal proceedings were subsequently completed.
Immigration officials said the case was treated seriously due to its direct impact on Thailand’s tourism and cultural image. The couple were deported shortly after, and authorities are now compiling information to have them blacklisted, which would bar them from re-entering the country.
The operation was conducted under orders from senior Immigration Bureau officials, including Immigration Division 6 commanders and Phuket Immigration leadership.
Phuket Immigration reiterated that authorities are closely monitoring tourist behaviour and will take firm action against any conduct deemed harmful to public order or the province’s reputation.
Officials also urged all visitors to respect Thai laws, culture and social norms while in the country.