Austrian Tourist to Be Deported After Causing Disturbances in Phuket

Immigration police in Phuket have revoked the visa of an Austrian tourist and are preparing to deport him after a series of public disturbances in Rawai that drew widespread attention online.

Videos of the man’s behaviour began circulating on Thai social media on May 19. Authorities later identified him as 39-year-old Austrian national Raphael.

In the footage, Raphael appeared shirtless and wearing shorts printed with the Thai word “เฉิดฉาย,” which translates as “shining.”

According to reports, the tourist was riding his motorcycle slowly in the middle of roads in Rawai, deliberately obstructing traffic and causing congestion.

Additional footage showed him approaching another foreign motorcyclist outside a convenience store and asking for money.

Some local residents claimed Raphael became aggressive or intimidating when people refused to give him cash, with several individuals allegedly handing over money after feeling pressured.

Witnesses also suspected that the Austrian man may have been under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances at the time of the incidents.

Police were later called to the area and detained the tourist for questioning.

Thai media reported that Raphael had been staying in Thailand on a student visa intended for studying Thai language and culture. Investigators allegedly discovered that he had not been participating in activities required under the conditions of the visa.

According to Phuket immigration officials, his visa was revoked under Section 52 of Thailand’s Immigration Act, and deportation procedures are now underway.

The case follows several other recent deportations involving foreign tourists in Phuket and Pattaya.

Earlier this year, a Saudi tourist was deported after engaging in sexual activity with another foreign man beside a road in Patong.

In a separate case, a French couple was deported and blacklisted after being caught engaging in sexual activity inside a tuk tuk in Phuket.

Last year, a Belgian tourist was also deported from Pattaya after multiple incidents involving disruptive behaviour while allegedly intoxicated, including property damage and attempted assaults on shop employees and police officers.