PHUKET – Thai immigration officials have canceled the visas of two French tourists and added them to the national blacklist after a viral clip showed them having explicit sex on a public tuk-tuk in Phuket.
The incident happened late last month on Patong Hill and drew strong criticism across Thailand. Many locals said the stunt crossed a clear line and hurt the country’s public image, especially in a major tourist area.
The video, filmed by a passing driver on January 29, showed the couple, identified as French nationals Wesley Crouzier and Valentine Celine Johanne (often reported as Mr. Wesley and Ms. Valen).
The footage appears to show them undressing and doing obscene acts in the open rear seat of a moving tuk-tuk on a busy road. Once the video clip spread online, Thai social media users quickly called the behavior offensive and disrespectful to local customs.
Officials Condemn Disregard for Law and Morals
Phuket Immigration moved quickly after the video circulated. The commander of Immigration Division 6 approved canceling the couple’s visas, saying the act broke Thai law and violated public decency standards. Officials also said the incident damaged Phuket’s reputation as a top tourism destination.
A senior officer pointed to Section 388 of the Criminal Code, which covers shameful acts in public places, including exposure and obscene behavior. Local police fined each person 5,000 baht. Immigration then revoked their permission to stay and placed them on the blacklist, blocking them from returning to Thailand for up to 10 years.
Police located and arrested the pair at separate hotels in Phuket’s Mueang and Thalang districts on Monday, February 2. They were held as deportation steps moved forward.
Thailand may be known overseas for nightlife and beach parties, but daily life is still shaped by conservative social norms. Influenced by Theravada Buddhism and long-held traditions, public sexual behavior is widely seen as unacceptable. Many Thais also place a high value on “Thai morals” (sinlatham Thai), especially in shared public spaces where children, families, and older people may be present.
Areas like Patong can feel more relaxed at night, but limits still apply. Explicit acts in public, in traffic, and in front of strangers go far beyond what locals accept. The tuk-tuk video became an example of how some visitors mistake Thailand’s friendly welcome for permission to do anything they want, then collide with local expectations.
A Pattern of Disrespectful Tourist Incidents
Officials say this case is not unique. Thailand has dealt with more public indecency cases involving foreign tourists in recent years, and enforcement has become stricter.
In early January 2026, a Saudi tourist was fined and had his visa canceled after a video showed him committing an indecent act in Patong. He admitted the offense and was deported.
Other cases have also made headlines. A Russian content creator was arrested in Phuket after filming a stunt that simulated obscene acts on a moving vehicle for social media. Authorities canceled the visa and issued a lifetime ban. In Pattaya, a British tourist and a Thai woman were detained for oral sex on a beach near a police station and faced public indecency charges.
Older reports include arrests on beaches and streets involving tourists from Norway and other Western countries. Many ended with fines, deportations, and blacklisting. Together, these cases point to a larger problem: some visitors from more permissive cultures don’t follow Thailand’s public conduct rules and then face serious consequences.
Impact on Phuket’s Tourism Reputation
Authorities have warned tourists that disrespecting sacred places, public order, or moral standards won’t be ignored. With more arrivals under visa-free entry, concerns about “low-quality tourism” have grown. Some officials and local voices have called for clearer guidance for visitors on acceptable behavior.
Phuket depends on tourism and balances its nightlife with a family-friendly reputation. Incidents like this can damage that image and push away travelers who want a safe, respectful place to visit. Local businesses and tourism operators have voiced frustration, saying the actions of a few can overshadow the many tourists who behave responsibly.
As Thailand continues promoting tourism after the pandemic, officials say public order and community standards remain priorities. The French couple’s case sends a clear message: Thailand welcomes guests, but expects them to follow the law and respect local culture.
Deportation steps are ongoing, and immigration sources say the couple will be removed from Thailand in the coming days. The fast response highlights Thailand’s focus on keeping order as tourism activity continues to rise.
