PHUKET – A dispute has emerged in Phuket after French tourists allegedly used artificial intelligence to alter photographs from a boat excursion in an attempt to claim a refund from a travel agency. The incident, reported by the Facebook page Phuket Times on December 18, has sparked considerable backlash online.

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The tourists reportedly submitted AI-enhanced images depicting the boat as dilapidated and unsanitary. The altered photos showed an inflatable slide appearing worn and damaged, a bathroom filled with rubbish, and a moldy banana. However, another photo from the same trip, showing the tourists appearing to enjoy themselves on board, has cast doubt on the validity of their complaints.

The travel agency involved has not yet issued a public response regarding the refund claim or the cost of the trip. The lack of an official statement has left the matter unresolved.

The allegation has provoked strong criticism from Thai netizens, with many calling for legal action against the tourists for what they perceive as fabricated complaints. Commenters argue that such deceptive behavior risks damaging the reputation of Phuket’s tourism sector, renowned for its hospitality and scenic beauty.

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The online discussion has drawn similar anecdotes from local business owners. A hotel owner recounted an instance of French guests demanding a refund despite satisfactory service, while another hotel operator described guests who left without paying their bill and subsequently posted a negative review. A Thai restaurant owner also commented on the challenge of foreign customers falsely claiming dissatisfaction to obtain refunds, highlighting a broader pattern of difficult encounters for tourism service providers in distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent grievances.

-Thailand News (TN)