PATONG, THAILAND – Police in Phuket pursued and arrested foreign tourists after they allegedly sprayed on-duty officers with high-pressure water guns during Songkran celebrations.
Incident during Songkran in Patong
On 14 April 2026, several clips circulated on social media showing an incident in Patong on the island of Phuket. The footage appeared to document confrontations between foreign tourists and police during the Thai New Year water festival.
According to these reports, on 13 April 2026 groups of foreign visitors sprayed police officers with high-pressure water cannons while the officers were on duty at administrative tents near Songkran events in Patong. The videos showed the situation unfolding in the middle of busy street celebrations.
Why the actions were seen as problematic
Reports suggested that the spraying of the officers may have gone beyond the usual level of Songkran water play. Commentators highlighted that the use of high-pressure devices could pose a risk of injury in crowded public spaces.
Posts also stressed that targeting on-duty police with powerful water streams was portrayed as deliberate. The clips sparked renewed debate over how far festival-goers can go before they endanger public safety or disrupt law enforcement.
First video: Officers step back
In one of the first clips, dozens of foreign tourists were seen spraying high-pressure water guns at police officers stationed at an administrative tent. The officers appeared to be standing in a line as the streams hit them.
The officers then pulled back and ran away to avoid potential hazards and injuries. The sequence underscored how quickly a festive scene could shift once the pressure and targeting of the water intensified.
Second video: Shot from inside a car
Another clip was apparently filmed from inside a vehicle and captured the episode from a different angle. From this view, the confrontation unfolded along the street near the Songkran area.
The recording again showed groups of tourists rushing toward police and spraying them with water. The repeated images from multiple clips added momentum to online criticism and discussion.
Third video: Chase and arrests
A third video showed police officers chasing a group of foreign tourists believed to have been involved in the incident. The pursuit appeared to move through the festival area before officers closed in.
Officers then detained several individuals and led them away from the scene. According to the reports, those arrested were taken to Patong Police Station for further processing.
Songkran: Traditional festival with limits
Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year festival and is widely known for large-scale public water fights across the country. Streets in major tourist areas often turn into informal water battle zones.
At the same time, there are recurring discussions in practice about safety and clear boundaries. Concerns are especially strong when high-pressure water devices are used or when emergency and security personnel are hindered while on duty.
Your view
The incident in Patong reignited questions about how to balance enjoyment and safety at major festivals. Online debates focused on the point at which playful spraying becomes dangerous or disrespectful, particularly toward officers on duty.
Commentators also raised the issue of whether high-pressure water guns at large public events should face tighter regulation, or whether firm on-the-spot intervention by police is sufficient to keep Songkran celebrations under control.