Protect Phuket Group Seeks Permission for 500-Person Protest Over Tourist Behaviour

The Protect Phuket residents’ group has asked Patong police for permission to hold a demonstration calling on tourists to follow Thai law and respect the local community.

The group, led by Saichon Nuchet, submitted its request at Patong Police Station on August 24. The proposed demonstration is scheduled for August 28 at Loma Public Park in front of Patong Beach.

According to the organisers, the event is intended to draw attention to problems linked to tourist behaviour and promote safer and more respectful relations between visitors, residents and local businesses. Patong’s deputy police chief said the demonstration could go ahead as long as it remained peaceful and complied with the law. He also urged the organisers to avoid unnecessarily prolonging the event or allowing any unlawful activity.

Police specifically asked the organisers not to bring Palestinian flags to the demonstration.

Saichon said the organisers expect at least 500 residents, shop owners and business operators to attend. He stressed that the gathering would be peaceful and conducted within legal limits.

The planned event will consist of two main parts. During the first, residents and others affected by tourist behaviour will be given an opportunity to describe problems they have encountered. Their complaints and concerns will then be forwarded to the relevant government agencies.

The second part will take the form of a panel discussion involving government representatives. Officials will be able to respond to questions from residents, hear their suggestions and discuss potential measures to address the issues raised.

Saichon said Protect Phuket was established in response to growing concerns among residents and businesses about the conduct of some tourists. He noted that similar problems have also been reported in other popular destinations, including Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan.

The group says residents should have a platform to defend their rights, freedoms and safety while also serving as a channel through which local problems can be brought to government agencies and possible solutions discussed.

Saichon referred to complaints involving some tourists, particularly Israelis, including allegations of leaving businesses without paying, disputes over tuk-tuk fares, physical confrontations and other behaviour that residents say has created difficulties for local businesses and communities.

At the same time, he stressed that the group does not intend to portray an entire nationality in the same way. Instead, he called on authorities to take firm action against individuals who violate Thai law.

Saichon also mentioned concerns involving some French tourists, saying groups travelling together between different locations should be monitored when their behaviour creates disturbances for local residents.

He added that the same expectations should apply to visitors from every country: tourists should follow Thai laws and show respect for the people and communities where they are staying.