Tourist sparks outrage in Phuket with fake cash stunt (video)
A foreign tourist has come under fire after being caught on video throwing fake dollar bills out of a moving car in Phuket, sparking outrage among locals and reigniting debate over Thailand’s visa exemption policy.
The bizarre incident, believed to be a social media stunt, took place along Yaowarat Road in Samkong and quickly went viral.
The footage, posted to the popular Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต shows a grey sedan with a red licence plate cruising through key locations, including Samkong Intersection and Phra Phuket Kaew Road in Kathu, as it scattered counterfeit US currency onto the streets.
One concerned local, seen riding a motorcycle in the clip, attempted to confront the tourist by knocking on the car window. However, the driver ignored the resident’s protest, promptly rolling up the window and continuing.
The one-minute video has since caused a storm online, drawing widespread condemnation from Thai netizens. Many were furious over what they labelled as the antics of “low-quality tourists,” accusing some foreign visitors of abusing Thailand’s visa-free entry to behave irresponsibly and disrespectfully.
“This is not tourism, it’s mockery,” one user commented, while another wrote, “Phuket used to be peaceful, now it’s a playground for attention-seekers.”
Some commenters called on police to trace the red-plated vehicle and hold the driver accountable for causing public nuisance.
The act of tossing fake money not only created a safety hazard but was also viewed as culturally insensitive, with several locals pointing out that such stunts demean the local community and its values, reported The Phuket News.
So far, officials have not issued an official statement or confirmed whether legal action will be taken. However, the incident has intensified ongoing discussions about the effects of Thailand’s visa exemption policy, particularly in popular tourist hubs like Phuket.
As locals continue to vent their frustrations online, many are urging the government to review its entry regulations and ensure that visitors respect the country’s laws and customs.
While some defended the stunt as “just a prank,” the majority of reactions show that Phuket residents are fed up with antics that turn their home into a viral video backdrop. Whether the tourist will face consequences remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Phuket’s patience is wearing thin.
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