UPDATE: Spanish and Peruvian Nationals to be Permanently Blacklisted From Thailand after Indecent Act on Tuk-Tuk in Patong

Phuket –

The Thai government has taken decisive action against two foreign tourists involved in a widely circulated indecent act on a tuk‑tuk in Patong, Phuket.

Our previous story:

A foreign couple has been arrested and deported after engaging in a public indecent act aboard a tuk-tuk in Patong, sparking widespread condemnation and raising concerns over the image of Phuket as a premier tourist destination.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Ploytalay Laksamisaengchan told the Phuket Express that police arrested the pair on May 4th, following the release of a viral video showing them engaging in sexual activity in public on May 3rd. The suspects were identified as Mr. Ruben, 41, a Spanish national, and Mrs. Cynthia, 43, from Peru. Both admitted to being the individuals in the footage.

Authorities charged them with “committing an act of public obscenity” and imposed fines under Thai law. Immigration police in Phuket later ruled that their conduct gravely violated Thai cultural norms. The pair were deported immediately and placed on the national blacklist, permanently banning them from re‑entering Thailand.

Ms. Ploytalay stated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed all agencies to strictly enforce laws against tourists who cause public nuisance or engage in behavior offensive to Thai values. The directive particularly targets drug‑related offenses and acts of indecency, with the goal of safeguarding Thailand’s reputation and ensuring confidence among quality international visitors.

Related article:

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, ordered authorities to tighten oversight and strictly enforce laws against inappropriate tourist behaviour, particularly incidents involving public indecency such as foreigners engaging in sexual acts, warning that such actions damage the country’s reputation and cultural values.