Thailand’s government says it will tighten oversight of tourists’ behaviour after several incidents in which foreigners are caught engaging in public sex, which officials say harms Thailand’s image. In a statement from the prime minister’s office, authorities warn that conduct described as “inappropriate behaviour”—including illicit drug use—can lead to prosecution, as it is said to contradict Thailand’s culture.
The pledge follows an incident on Monday evening on Phuket, Thailand’s southern island and a major tourist destination. Authorities say a couple was found performing a sexual act in a tuk-tuk in a popular tourist area. Reporting indicates the pair—an alleged 41-year-old Spanish man and a 43-year-old Peruvian woman—admit to the act and are charged under public indecency laws.
Officials also say they are working to revoke their visas, deport them and place them on a blacklist. Under Thai law referenced by outlets, public nudity and sexual acts in public are punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 baht (about $155). Thailand says tourism remains vital to its economy, while foreign arrivals have not yet returned to pre-Covid levels.
