Outside a residence in Phuket, a foreign man was caught on surveillance camera taking food and drinks that had been offered at a shrine without permission, sparking discussions among netizens.
According to Thai media reports, Facebook user Bank Marlboro posted footage of the incident on the 5th. He stated that the event took place in the Kata area and that the homeowner is his friend.
The video shows the foreign man walking down the street before changing direction towards the shrine. He appears to look around to ensure no one is watching before approaching the shrine and taking several offerings.
In the footage, the man can be seen taking a small plastic tray containing food and what appears to be a bottled drink. Afterwards, he walks to a second nearby shrine, but after finding no offerings there, he leaves.
The foreigner was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, dark blue shorts, glasses, and was carrying two plastic bags.
This incident has sparked polarized reactions online. Some social media users described the behavior as theft, regardless of the value of the items taken; others argued that sharing food with those in need could itself be considered a good deed.
Many netizens responded humorously, joking that the deity would follow him home to reclaim the offerings.