Who is Jack Papho? All about Thai YouTuber under fire for viral video dancing on top of car at Mount Fuji

Jack Papho recieves backlash for viral video (image via @jack_papho on Instagram)
Jack Papho recieves backlash for viral video (image via @jack_papho on Instagram)

Jack Papho, also known as Jaturong Papho, is a Thai YouTuber and TikToker, best known for his comedy videos, pranks, and sketches. Papho has amassed more than 11 million followers on his prank account.

Papho came under fire after he shared a video on his Facebook and TikTok accounts on November 17 with the caption,

"I don't care (about) those who look down on me. #JackPapho"

Papho gained criticism for filming and dancing on top of a car at a well-known Mount Fuji photo shoot. The video was filmed outside the Lawson Kawaguchiko-Ekimae branch in Fujikawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture. This location is one of the most photographed viewpoints for tourists.

Videos were posted on social media by tourists and locals, showing Jack climbing onto the roof of a minivan to dance while his friends cheered him on. His behavior was met with backlash from Thai social media users, who accused him of embarrassing Thai people and the reputation of Thai tourists abroad. Users also urged Japanese officials to take action against the YouTuber.

A Facebook user submitted an open letter to the Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, urging the Japanese government to revoke Jack Papho's Thai passport and refuse him future passport issuance. The letter also cited legal grounds under the 1977 Passport Act, which allows revocation if a passport holder commits offences abroad, or acts in a way that is harmful to national security or public order.


"I accept all criticism and apologize," - Jack Papho responds to backlash

Jack Papho took to his social media channels to post a statement noting that while he would not remove the video, he wanted to "take responsibility, not run from the platform" and that the incident was "a mistake to learn from." He also added,

"I accept all criticism and apologize."

Thai travel YouTuber Pigkaploy also addressed the concern and said,

"Japanese cities are struggling with overtourism. Many locals are fed up with visitors acting as if public spaces belong to them. This clip may seem funny to some, but to the local community it represents disrespect and disruption - and it affects how Japanese people view Thai tourists as a whole"

Papho's partner also addressed the incident and noted that she had tried to stop him multiple times, urging people not to blame their child. This is not the first time Papho has received backlash for his online behavior. In August 2018, he was fined for a viral prank involving a ping pong ball bomb.

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal