Phuket Residents Call for Probe After Foreigner Appears Online in Police Uniform

Residents in Phuket are demanding an official investigation after a foreign woman posted photos and videos online showing herself wearing clothing resembling a Thai police uniform.

Images shared by the Phuket Times Facebook page on May 21 quickly sparked debate across Thai social media. In the photos, the woman appeared wearing a black vest displaying a Thai flag and a Royal Thai Police patch. She was also seen wearing a cap marked “Police” and carrying a badge holder featuring the logo of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau.

The vest shown in the pictures closely resembled clothing commonly used by Thai police officers and volunteer personnel during patrols and official operations.

One image also showed the woman riding a motorcycle while dressed in a police-style outfit. The motorcycle reportedly carried a green sticker with an emblem similar to those used by Thai government agencies.

According to Phuket Times, the woman posted the content on her personal social media account and was believed to be staying in the Patong area.

The photos immediately triggered online discussions about whether the clothing and accessories were genuine and whether the woman had any legitimate connection to Thai law enforcement agencies.

Many social media users called on police and immigration authorities to investigate the matter.

Some Thai netizens alleged that the woman had approached foreigners while dressed in the outfit and claimed she could assist with visa renewals or police-related issues. Others pointed out that similar clothing can be purchased through online marketplaces.

Another commenter claimed the woman may be connected to a motorcycle rental business in Phuket operated by a friend or relative.

Several users also criticized the incident more broadly, arguing that police uniforms should not be treated as costumes or cosplay items.

At the same time, some online commenters suggested the foreign woman may not have been aware that wearing police-style uniforms could potentially violate Thai law.

Under Section 108 of Thailand’s Royal Thai Police Act, unauthorized impersonation of a police officer or wearing police uniforms without permission can carry prison sentences ranging from three months to five years.

Authorities could also consider Section 146 of the Thai Criminal Code, which prohibits wearing official uniforms in a manner that could mislead the public. Violations may result in up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 2,000 baht, or both.

As of May 21, Phuket police had not confirmed whether a formal investigation had been launched.

A similar controversy occurred in late 2023 when a Chinese national appeared in videos wearing a Thai police uniform alongside a real police officer. The officer later claimed he had lent the uniform to the man for filming content and denied any criminal wrongdoing.