PHUKET, THAILAND – Police arrested a man on Phuket’s main tourist strip after he allegedly pressured holidaymakers into paying for photos with his reptiles.
Alleged reptile photo scam on Patong promenade
An as yet unnamed Thai man positioned himself with two reptiles – including an iguana – on the pavement in front of the Banana Walk shopping centre on Thaweewong Road. He approached passing tourists, especially foreigners, and encouraged them to pose for photos with the animals. According to officers, he often tricked unsuspecting visitors into taking part.
“He encouraged or deceived tourists into taking photos with his reptiles,”
said police, adding that the man then demanded payment from confused guests once the photo had been taken.
Tourist complaints trigger police action
The scheme came to light after several affected tourists filed complaints at Patong Police Station. They argued that the man was not only a public nuisance but also damaging the image of Phuket as a safe and welcoming destination. Officers treated the reports seriously and set up an evening stakeout on 12 December.
Suspect detained with reptiles at the scene
Around 10 p.m., police arrived at the site and arrested the suspect on the busy seaside promenade. He was found together with the two reptiles in the popular tourist area and taken to the station along with the animals. Photos of the arrest later posted online showed the man grinning, apparently without remorse.
Investigators were examining whether he had violated Thailand’s wildlife protection law. The exact charges were still being determined.
Similar tourist shakedowns reported elsewhere
Authorities noted that this was not an isolated case in Thailand’s major tourist hotspots. At the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi, a snake owner was recently fined 1,000 baht (about 25 euros). He had allegedly demanded 2,500 baht (about 62 euros) from a South Korean influencer for a photo with a snake and put her under pressure to pay.
Phuket itself had previously seen an incident in which an Indian tourist claimed he was attacked by a tiger in an animal park while attempting a selfie. That case also raised questions about the use of animals as tourist props.
Police underline protection of Phuket’s reputation
The arrest sent what police described as a clear signal to anyone seeking to exploit tourists with dubious tactics. Officers on Phuket said they remained alert to such scams targeting visitors.
“Such actions damage the reputation of our island. We will take consistent action against them,”
said the authority, urging tourists to contact police immediately if they encounter similar incidents.
For the detained iguana handler, the unwanted photo sessions could now prove costly – not only in terms of money, but potentially with prison time as well.