PHUKET, THAILAND – A drunk Irish tourist who climbed onto a parked taxi in Cherng Talay triggered viral laughter online and a rapid response from local police.
Wild street stunt on Cherng Talay–Ban Don Road
According to local reports, the incident took place on 14 March 2026 on the Cherng Talay–Ban Don Road. A 25-year-old Irish man climbed onto a parked taxi in the middle of the street.
Residents and passersby said they could hardly believe what they were seeing and quickly pulled out their phones to record the scene. The video showed the tourist from Ireland stumbling around on top of the vehicle, turning the situation into a dangerous spectacle.
Witnesses described how the man appeared completely disoriented as he moved unsteadily on the car roof. The clip spread rapidly on social media platforms, where it drew both amusement and criticism.
Police alerted to disturbance
The operations center Phuket 191 received an emergency call reporting a foreign tourist causing a disturbance in the Pasak Soi 1 area. Officers from Cherng Talay police station were dispatched immediately to the scene.
When they arrived, they found that the report matched the situation on the ground. The 25-year-old was described as totally drunk and had visible abrasions on his body, though it remained unclear how he had sustained the injuries.
Police secured the area around the taxi to prevent further incidents. Officers then focused on calming the man and assessing whether anyone else had been put at risk.
Paramedics provide first aid
Rescue paramedics were called in to treat the heavily intoxicated tourist. They provided first aid and helped him back onto his feet well enough to be questioned.
“He was in a condition where he could no longer control himself,”
said a police officer, adding that officers waited until his condition had stabilized before taking his personal details.
Once he was responsive, authorities recorded his identity and checked his overall condition. No other injuries or damage were reported in the immediate aftermath.
Police opt for leniency
Officers decided on a mild response rather than formal charges for public nuisance. Instead of detaining the man, they escorted him back to his accommodation in Phuket.
“We took him to his hotel and handed him over to those responsible there,”
said the police.
Officials indicated that this approach was seen as a sensible solution under the circumstances. They noted that a night in a sobering-up cell would likely have been a worse outcome for the tourist.
Internet celebrates the “crazy Irishman”
While police treated the case as closed, the online reaction continued to grow. The video of the taxi-climbing stunt went viral, attracting hundreds of comments.
Many users reacted with jokes and amusement about the bizarre performance.
“Typical Irish temperament,”
wrote one commenter, while another joked,
“He probably just wanted a better view.”
said social media users.
Others were more critical and highlighted the risks involved.
“Dangerous nonsense – he could have seriously injured himself!”
said another commenter, warning that such behavior should not be taken lightly.
Alcohol and holidays: a risky mix
Observers pointed to the case as another example of how alcohol-fueled behavior on holiday can escalate quickly. What might seem funny in the moment can easily have serious consequences.
Police in Phuket used the incident to again urge visitors to celebrate responsibly.
“We want everyone to feel safe – including the drunk tourists themselves,”
said an officer, stressing that safety must remain the priority for both residents and holidaymakers.
Authorities noted that the Irish tourist was lucky to escape with only abrasions. They warned that similar stunts could end very differently in the future and called on tourists to show more consideration during nights out in popular resort areas.