A viral video on TikTok has been making the rounds, featuring a “spooky sight” of a handprint on a mirror in a Thai hotel room.
The video uploaded by @breannaechavez on May 26 has garnered 6.8 million views. The footage was taken at Le Fenix Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok.
The video caption read: “Was trying to boil water for my Cup Noodles when I noticed this handprint.”
The post raised some curiosity with a caption that read, “When in Thailand. I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation for this.”
It turns out that the handprint likely appeared due to condensation from the boiling water, which can reveal unseen residue left by previous guests or cleaning staff on mirrors.
According to a Journal of Scientific Exploration article from January 2016, glass surfaces are prone to retaining fingerprints due to the oils on our skin, which can persist for a long time.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association latest report projects a hotel occupancy rate of 63.6% in 2024. Cleanliness and friendly staff are highlighted as key factors for a positive guest experience.
‘Creepy Vibes’
TikTok users empathized with the unsettling mirror discovery and shared their own reactions.
Comments like “So scary!” from Freda Lau and “Got goosebumps watching this” from @whateverkath demonstrate the spine-chilling effect of the video.
Other users like Caramelli mentioned leaving messages in steam on mirrors and Chai humorously shared putting smileys on mirrors to cheer up the next guest.
Remember, if you come across such surprises in your hotel room, it’s likely not the fault of the previous guests but perhaps a lapse in proper cleaning. Stay curious and keep those mirrors steam-free!