The incident, which occurred in front of the Lotus’s shopping centre on Thepkrasattri Rd, Thalang, yesterday (Jan 3) highlighted growing concerns over the behaviour of some tourists on the island.
The 27-second video, shared by Facebook user Akim Phu Ket, showed the aftermath of the confrontation. According to the post, two Arab tourists refused to pay their fare after being dropped off by a taxi driver. When confronted, one of the tourists became aggressive and attempted to assault the driver, starting with a flying front kick.
A bystander, who filmed the incident, intervened by paying the unpaid fare and calling the police. The video’s caption expressed frustration over the behaviour of tourists, describing them as “very aggressive”.
The clip quickly gained traction online, sparking heated discussions. Many commenters criticised the tourists’ actions, with some calling for stricter enforcement of laws and questioning the policy of offering free visas to certain nationalities.
Comments flooded the post, with users expressing both anger and concern. “Tourists like these give others a bad name. The free visa policy needs to be reconsidered,” said one reaction. “The authorities should take action against such behaviour. It’s not fair to locals,” said another. “Drivers are vulnerable every day. No wonder some feel the need to carry weapons for protection,” another comment said.
The incident reignited debates about Thailand’s free visa policy, which some critics argue attracts ill-behaved visitors. Others, however, called for understanding, urging authorities to address individual cases without generalising entire groups of tourists.
Local police are reportedly investigating the incident. Meanwhile, the taxi driver involved expressed gratitude for the support shown by the online community.