Aussie Tourist Flees Tattoo Bill in Thailand

A tattoo artist in Phuket, Thailand, has issued a warning after an Australian tourist allegedly departed without settling a 15,000 baht ($717) debt for a six-hour tattoo session. The artist, Caden Davies, recounted that the tourist, who claimed to be a farmer, initially paid a deposit for a samurai mask tattoo. After completing the work, the man stated he couldn't pay and would return the next day, eventually paying a portion of the bill before leaving the country.

The incident occurred after the tourist missed a prior booking. CCTV footage shows the man leaving the studio after the tattoo was finished. Davies expressed his shock at the situation, stating he trusted the client but had never encountered such an experience. He hopes to alert other local businesses to this type of tourist behavior to prevent future occurrences.

While the studio has not yet filed a formal police report, the artist is sharing his experience as a cautionary tale. This incident follows other recent reports of Australian nationals involved in alleged criminal activities in Thailand, including a separate shoplifting case. Locals in Phuket have also voiced concerns about 'over-tourism' following the implementation of a visa-free travel scheme.