YouTuber exposes Phuket’s shocking slum conditions (video)
A YouTuber has caused a storm online with his latest video, The Other Side of Phuket, which takes viewers behind the glossy tourist façade to one of the island’s largest slums.
In the video, popular YouTuber Ride with Gabi contrasts Phuket’s global fame for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife with the stark reality of its poverty-stricken communities.
The video focuses on the Soi Kingkaew area, a slum located near Phuket’s fishing port, where Gabi highlights the severe poverty endured by residents.
“Most of the people here are not from Thailand and they do not have any rights here in Phuket,” he said, drawing attention to the dire living conditions in the community.
He also highlights the work of the Good Shepherd Phuket Town charity, which provides free education and school lunches to children in the slum.
A key issue raised by Gabi is the fact that many people living in the area are not officially recognised by the Thai government, which makes it extremely difficult for them to access basic services, including education.
Despite Thai law ensuring that all children, regardless of their status, have the right to free education, many still face significant barriers in accessing it.
The video sparked an outpouring of reaction online, with social media flooded with comments. Many viewers expressed frustration with government negligence.
“Phuket is turning a blind eye to this.”
Many called for legal action.
“The Provincial Education Office must take legal action against those responsible for neglecting their duty under Section 157.”
In response to the video, the Phuket Provincial Office confirmed that a press conference will be held to address the issues raised.
Ride with Gabi has gained significant traction on YouTube, amassing 234,000 subscribers and an impressive 32.44 million views in the past month alone. Despite his growing popularity, Gabi remains a private figure, choosing to keep his real name out of the spotlight.
His channel, which offers a mix of travel and personal content, earns him between US$1,500 (around 50,000 baht) and US$4,400 per month from YouTube ad revenue, reported The Phuket News.
As Gabi’s video continues to generate debate, questions are being raised about Phuket’s approach to poverty and the rights of its migrant communities.
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