BANGKOK, Sept 26 — Thai police have detained a Russian man after a video showing him having sex with a woman on a moving pickup truck in Phuket went viral on social media.

The 23-year-old, identified only as Georgii, was arrested yesterday at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to leave the country, the Bangkok Post reported.

The 15-second video, which circulated widely across Thai platforms late on Wednesday, depicts Georgii and a 42-year-old Thai woman, both naked, engaging in sexual activity at the back of a black pickup truck as it travelled along a road in the resort province.

The woman told authorities she was paid 1,000 baht (RM130) to participate and had been informed the video was intended for Georgii’s Russian audience. 

Thai police said Georgii is an adult content creator with a history of posting explicit material online.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ekachai Siri, chief of the Phuket tourist police, confirmed that Georgii faces charges of public indecency and could also be prosecuted under the Computer Crime Act if the video was circulated online for profit.

Colonel Chatree Chukaew, chief of the Muang Phuket police station, called for strict immigration measures, suggesting that Georgii’s visa should be revoked and that he be blacklisted from future entry into Thailand. 

“Performing an obscene act in a public place carries a fine of up to 5,000 baht,” he said.

The incident has sparked outrage among Thai social media users, with many calling for tougher penalties. 

One commenter wrote: “Catch them and deport them immediately. They should be blacklisted forever.” 

Another highlighted concerns for public safety: “The only thing I’m concerned about is young witnesses on the road. Punish them harshly, not just with a fine.”

Public sexual acts by tourists are not unprecedented in Thailand. 

In 2024, two visitors were caught on video engaging in sexual activity on a “family-friendly” stretch of Pattaya beach, prompting similar calls for action.

Locals say the Phuket incident threatens the country’s image as a safe tourist destination. 

One social media user summarised the sentiment: “If Thai officials ignore this case, the country will be embarrassed. Don’t let them insult us.”