Authorities in Phuket have confirmed that a ceramics shop at the centre of a social media backlash acted within the law when it charged an entry fee to visitors, provided the terms were clearly displayed.
The controversy surfaced on Sunday after claims circulated online that Chinese tourists were asked to pay 40 baht to enter a ceramics shop in Phuket Old Town.
The allegations spread rapidly on Chinese social media, particularly on Douyin, and stemmed from a post accusing the shop’s owner on Thalang Road in Muang district of singling out Chinese visitors for the fee.
The post also alleged that the owner made inappropriate remarks and gestures after tourists declined to pay.
Following public criticism, the shop owner gave an interview explaining her decision to impose an entry charge.
According to Thairath Online, she said the policy was introduced after incidents in which visitors accidentally damaged items and refused to compensate the shop.
She added that customers who made purchases exceeding 40 baht received a discount equal to the entry fee.
Addressing the allegations of offensive behaviour, she claimed the confrontation began after she was verbally insulted and that she struggled to respond appropriately.
The case prompted questions over whether charging customers simply to enter a retail shop was acceptable or lawful. In response, officials from the Phuket Provincial Commercial Office inspected the premises on Monday.
Inspectors reported that the shop had displayed clear price tags and entry-fee conditions at its entrance, with notices written in Thai, English and Chinese.
“Charging such a service fee is permitted if price signs and conditions are clearly displayed at the front of the shop, in accordance with the commercial committee’s announcement No. 68 regarding display of prices of goods and services,” Supansa Chuaychana, head of economic and trade regulation and development, said.
Ms Supansa added that officials had advised the owner to act with greater care, warning that inappropriate conduct could harm Thailand’s tourism image.
She said the office would step up inspections and guidance for businesses, conducting checks three times a week and increasing their frequency during festival periods, in coordination with agencies including the Office of the Consumer Protection Board and local police.
