The footage, shared on the official Koh Samui Police Station page, shows a Western tourist stumbling through the island’s streets with a blank stare and clear signs of intoxication. The post, accompanied by a sarcastic comment about the “Free Visa”, went viral almost instantly.
Hundreds of comments poured in, nearly all targeting the same policy: the visa-free entry extended to 93 countries. Netizens overwhelmingly slam the influx of tourists they label as “khaya piak” (wet garbage), zombies, or fugitives.
“Cancel the free visa… We’re only attracting Western trash, wet scum. All we get are drug addicts and undesirables. It’s completely destroying Thailand’s image.” … “Soon Thailand will look like Philadelphia, with drugged-up zombies wandering the streets. We’re only accepting foreign junkies now.” — Thai internet users
Many commenters demand the immediate deportation of such individuals back to their home countries or handover to their embassies. Others warn that without change, Thailand risks turning into a “zombie country”.
This incident has reignited fierce national debate about the negative side effects of the free visa policy, which has faced repeated criticism since its expansion.