Phuket Officials Step In After Old Town Dispute with Chinese Tourists Goes Viral

Authorities in Phuket have intervened to ease tensions following a dispute between a local shop owner and Chinese tourists in Phuket Old Town that recently went viral on social media.

The incident attracted widespread attention after video footage showed a heated argument between an elderly shopkeeper and a group of visiting Chinese tourists on Yaowarat Road in Talat Yai subdistrict.

The clip quickly spread online, triggering criticism and concerns that the confrontation could negatively affect Phuket’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.

Local media reports noted that this was reportedly not the first dispute involving the same individual and the same business.

On May 20 at approximately 2:30 p.m., Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwatch Rawangkul visited the shop to investigate the matter and mediate discussions between those involved.

According to initial findings, the disagreement began on May 17 after the shop enforced a policy requiring visitors to pay a 40-baht entrance fee per person.

During the meeting with officials, the shop owner and local authorities reportedly reached a mutual understanding aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Officials encouraged the use of friendlier communication and more welcoming hospitality practices in order to maintain a positive atmosphere for international visitors.

The intervention reflects ongoing efforts by Phuket authorities to protect the island’s tourism image amid increasing attention on visitor experiences and public relations in popular tourist areas.