Phuket residents criticized a foreign TikToker for launching a cash hunting game on the island, fearing it could pose dangers to participants. Some also questioned the motive behind the stunt.
The treasure-hunting game in Phuket drew widespread attention after it was reported by the Phuket Times Facebook page yesterday, November 9.
The game was organized by a TikTok user under the account @find_the_cash_phuket, reportedly run by a foreign national whose identity and nationality have not yet been confirmed.
“We hide real cash around the island. No gambling.”
The account was newly created and contained fewer than 20 videos. Each clip showed the foreigner taping a 1,000-baht banknote in random public locations across the island. The videos featured short snippets of the surroundings to serve as clues for cash hunters.
The TikToker also placed a hidden camera near each location to capture the moment when someone discovered the money. In several clips, winners could be seen smiling or waving at the camera upon finding the cash.
However, many Thai netizens expressed scepticism, claiming that the people who found the money were likely accomplices.
Others questioned the intent behind the game and called on the TikToker to clarify the purpose of giving away cash, while many raised concerns about the potential risks involved.
Some commenters urged local police and relevant authorities to investigate the owner of the account, raising questions about the legality of their stay and work in Thailand, as well as the legality of the content itself.
Meanwhile, another group of social media users took a more positive stance, arguing that the TikToker simply sought engagement and income from the platform. They criticised the sceptics for being overly pessimistic and suggested that the videos could even help promote tourism in Phuket.
Source: The Thaiger