PHUKET, Thailand – An altercation broke out between a foreign tourist and a ladyboy vendor on Bangla Road in Patong, Phuket in the early hours of March 21. The incident occurred after the tourist repeatedly refused to buy flowers from the vendor, leading to a physical confrontation. According to eyewitnesses, the ladyboy removed her shoe and used it to strike the tourist. Despite attempts from passersby to intervene and stop the violence, the altercation escalated further before both parties eventually left the scene.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism from locals, with many questioning why authorities aren’t taking stricter action against such behavior. One commenter pointed out, “Tourist police should step in and prevent these incidents from happening. It harms the reputation of Thailand as a tourist destination.”
Some have expressed frustration at the lack of deterrence, suggesting that even if the ladyboy is arrested, she may only spend a short time in custody before returning to the same behavior. Others lamented the negative impact on Thailand’s image, especially when efforts are being made to attract tourists to boost the economy. One local remarked, “This one individual can damage the image of the country, while every agency is trying to improve Thailand’s reputation.”
A local commenter pointed out that the assailant was not Thai, saying, “Yes, but the ladyboy is a foreigner, not Thai,” highlighting that the incident involved a foreign national, rather than a local vendor.
In the wake of the altercation, public sentiment has focused on the importance of maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors, especially as incidents like this tarnish the overall tourist experience in Thailand.
