CHIANG RAI, THAILAND – A foreign tourist in northern Thailand was at the centre of repeated public disturbances that fuelled local anger and calls for his deportation. Since arriving in the country, the man known as Andrew was alleged to have disrupted public order and damaged the province’s image.
Clash in pharmacy leads to police station turmoil
The most recent incident reportedly occurred in a pharmacy on Prasopsuk Road in the Rop Wiang subdistrict of Mueang Chiang Rai. Andrew bought medication from a male pharmacist and the pharmacist’s girlfriend before accusing them of selling counterfeit drugs. The argument escalated to the point that the couple took him to the Chiang Rai City Police Station to resolve the dispute.
At the station, Andrew was said to have remained aggressive, verbally insulting the pair and exposing himself, which allegedly caused further commotion inside the facility. Police authorities were reported to be closely monitoring the situation but had not immediately announced formal action.
Viral videos intensify public pressure
Following initial media coverage, the incidents were widely discussed on social media, where many users condemned Andrew’s behaviour and demanded that immigration officials expel him from Thailand. Residents and business owners shared additional video clips of earlier confrontations. One recording showed him shouting loudly in front of a hostel in Chiang Rai, disturbing guests and refusing to stop despite repeated requests from staff, while claiming to be a mafia-style figure.
Locals viewed the behaviour as damaging to the city’s reputation, particularly given Chiang Rai’s dependence on tourism. The shared footage contributed to growing expectations that authorities would review the documented cases and consider stronger measures.
Hostel staff targeted with money taunts
In another recorded incident, Andrew allegedly provoked hostel employees by waving banknotes.
“You are only 5 baht, I am 1,000 baht”
said Andrew, according to reports.
The remark was regarded locally as condescending and insulting toward Thais. Hostel staff reportedly chose not to confront him further, fearing additional harm to the city’s image and hoping to avoid escalating the disturbance.
Lewd threats, alcohol and refusal to leave
Further footage showed Andrew, often appearing intoxicated, sitting in front of a shop after the owner had repeatedly asked him to leave. According to reports, he threatened to expose his genitals and stated:
“I will sit here, I will masturbate here and let it all spread”
said Andrew, according to witnesses.
He then allegedly demanded cigarettes and claimed he had nowhere else to go. Residents reported that his disruptive conduct occurred both when he was drunk and when he appeared sober, deepening concerns over public safety and community standards.
Visa status under scrutiny amid calls for action
Authorities stated that Andrew entered Thailand on 12 January 2026 and was permitted to stay until 12 March 2026. According to the outlet Kaoded, no formal deportation order had initially been issued.
Officials indicated that the incidents were under close observation by police and immigration services. Amid mounting public scrutiny, there was growing anticipation that the documented events would be assessed and that potential next steps would focus on protecting the province’s security and reputation.