Viral Naga Statue Encounter: Foreign Tourist Sparks Social Media Buzz in Phuket

In an unexpected twist of cultural curiosity, a foreign tourist’s encounter with a Naga statue in Phuket has become the talk of the town—or should I say, the whole of Thai social media. This latest spectacle even had local netizens buzzing, when photos and videos emerged of the man performing what many saw as a rather intimate interaction with the sacred serpent statue.

The viral sensation unfolded when the Phuket Times’ Facebook page shared images and a now-infamous video earlier today, June 16, 2025. The caption read, “Kissing a Naga statue. He’s so into this! Superstitious foreigner. #ForeignersInPhuket.” In the video, the man is captured with both hands gently placed on the statue’s head, his eyes locked in a trance-like gaze. Then, with a wish presumably lingering on his lips, he places a kiss on the Naga’s head. Yet some netizens speculated that he wasn’t kissing it at all, but was whispering his heart’s deepest desires into the Naga’s ear. Either way, intrigue was sparked, and comments rolled in faster than a Thai street vendor’s noodle soup!

What was perhaps just an innocent moment quickly became a hilariously contentious point of debate. Comments ranged from cheeky warnings—”Be careful! Naga can spew poison!”—to tongue-in-cheek allegations, “Yaba (methamphetamine) addict?”—to cultural musings, “Just a normal greeting. Foreigners perform cheek kissing to say hello!” Of course, the idea that “His wife in a past life might have been a Naga” added a whole new layer of mythical romance to the occasion. Meanwhile, another user recounted seeing an Indian tourist engaging with a Naga statue down in Krabi, underlining just how universal the allure of these statues can be.

As the legend of the Naga-kissing foreigner spread, a local woman—who claims ownership of the Naga shrine located in Soi Saen Sabai, Phuket—stepped into the narrative. She mentioned that while foreign visitors often exhibit curiosity and enthusiasm towards the Naga statues—sometimes touching or even hugging them—this was indeed the first time she had witnessed someone express their admiration with a kiss. Having met the man before, she shared that he appeared to have mental health issues and was known to frequent a nearby cannabis shop, adding layers of speculation to his motivations.

Despite such an unconventional display of devotion, the woman, ever the serene host, took the incident in stride. She reminded the public that Phuket, a globally celebrated tourist destination, attracts a medley of personalities and experiences. However, she was quick to insist that her Naga statues are imbued with significant sacredness and the power to grant wishes to those who show respect. To those who don’t? Well, let’s just say the supernatural consequences could be less than pleasant!

The Naga, a symbol revered deeply within Thai culture, traditionally serves as a conduit for wishes and aspirations. Those looking to appease or seek favor from these serpentine guardians typically offer nine incense sticks, flowers, and a dedicatory chant before making a wish. Yet, entertaining as the foreign man’s impromptu ritual might have been, Thai customs usually draw the line at maintaining a respectful distance from the statue, reserving physical contact for more solemn engagements.

Ultimately, what started as a seemingly whimsical event became a moment of cross-cultural exchange and an anecdote that might just put a smile on your face. Phuket’s bustling streets, already vibrant with stories, have now recorded another chapter in the ever-evolving dialogue between history, culture, and the global community.