PHUKET, THAILAND – A confrontation between a foreign paragliding operator and a Thai tourist at a scenic viewpoint on Phuket raised questions over the use of public land and foreign-run businesses.
Video captures dispute at Windmill Viewpoint
A Thai tourist filmed the incident at Windmill Viewpoint near Phromthep Cape, showing a heated argument over access to the site. In the footage, the foreign man held up a document and repeatedly told the visitor,
“You can’t stay here.”
said the unnamed foreign paragliding operator. The Thai tourist firmly replied,
“I can. This is a public space. This is a public area.”
said the unnamed Thai tourist.
Operator cites maintenance work as justification
According to the account, the foreigner claimed he had a right to use the area because he had cut the grass and prepared the spot for his activities. Later, his Thai wife arrived with several men, which left the tourist feeling unsafe and prompted a call to the Chalong police. In front of the officers, the woman offered to settle the matter, saying,
“Can we end the issue here if my husband and I apologise? Is that OK?”
said the Thai wife of the operator.
Document turns out to be paragliding license
It later emerged that the document shown to the tourist was only a license for paragliding training, under which the man appeared to be running his business at the site. The local Facebook page Newshawk Phuket shared the video and urged officials to clarify why a foreigner believed he could claim public land. Several social media users reported similarly negative encounters with the same man in the past.
Authorities under pressure over public access
So far, neither Chalong police nor local administrative officials had taken any concrete action, with the case pending their review. Online, frustration among Thai users grew, with calls for immediate intervention by the authorities. Commentators demanded that the use of public land for private businesses be stopped and that unrestricted access for all tourists be guaranteed.
Impact on Phuket’s tourism image
Observers warned that the incident hurt Phuket’s fragile reputation as a welcoming resort destination. The case highlighted broader concerns over whether foreigners might try to override Thai laws and property rules. Attention now focused on the authorities, who were expected to determine who was in the right and to secure continued public access to the viewpoint.