PHUKET – A Patong tattoo studio is seeking police intervention after an Australian client allegedly fled without paying his 15,000-baht balance for a completed tattoo. The incident occurred at Dragon Ink Patong Phuket on November 18th, when the customer left to withdraw money after his session and never returned.

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According to the artist, the Australian national had commissioned a cover-up tattoo priced at 25,000 baht, paying a 10,000-baht deposit in advance. After completing the work, the client claimed he needed to visit an ATM but instead traveled directly to Phuket Airport and departed Thailand. The artist subsequently shared photographs and details across local social media groups to alert other businesses.

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The case has sparked significant discussion among Thai netizens, with many criticizing the customer’s behavior and advising stricter payment policies for tourist services. Some commentators noted similar incidents involving small-value services, reflecting broader concerns about foreign visitors evading payments in popular tourist areas. The tattoo artist intends to file a formal police report despite the customer’s departure, hoping authorities can pursue the matter through international channels.

-Thailand News (TN)