Immigration authorities have revoked their visas and blacklisted a French couple after a video of them engaging in explicit sexual activity on a public tuk-tuk in Phuket sparked widespread outrage online.
The action followed widespread criticism on social media after images circulated of a foreign couple engaging in explicit sexual activity on a tuk-tuk travelling along the Kathu–Patong road in Phuket on Jan 30.
Officials said their behaviour showed a clear disregard for Thai law and public morals, and caused reputational harm to Phuket’s tourism sector. Local police and tourist police tracked down and arrested "Mr Wesley" and "Ms Valen", both French nationals. Their full names were not released.
The pair were fined 5,000 baht each.
After reviewing the case, officials concluded they should have their visas cancelled. The Immigration Division 6 commander approved the revocation of their visas.
On Monday, officers located Mr Wesley at a hotel in Thalang district, while another team found Ms Valen at a hotel in Muang district.
Both were taken to the Phuket Immigration Office, where officials formally served the visa revocation orders. The couple were then placed on the immigration blacklist and will be deported.
