Couple arrested on Koh Phangan island for public indecency

Koh Phangan's Love-Nudists Under the Police Spotlight

SURAT THANI - A Polar pair, caught red-handed locked in an amorous embrace without a stitch of clothing on Koh Phangan's Ban Tai Road, call it a declaration of love. Locals tipped off the authorities about the risqué scene at 4:30 PM on Monday, leading to quite the spectacle.

Pol Col Apichart Chansamret, the Koh Phangan police chief, shared the details. When the officers arrived on the scene, they took photographs of the evidence and mildly reprimanded the 27-year-old guy and his 24-year-old lady friend to cover up before making the arrest.

According to Pol Col Apichart, the duo, obviously enamored, didn't seem to mind bending the law. They claimed they ditched their clothes to cuddle as a way to express their love for each other. The cops, however, reminded them that public nudity is a criminal offense in Thailand, punishable by fines of up to a hefty 5,000 baht.

The woman confessed to the act and quickly paid her fine of 5,000 baht before being released. Her partner, on the other hand, seemed to be less than chilled about the situation. They sent the man for a psychiatric evaluation at Koh Phangan Hospital, and immigration authorities are now considering revoking their visas.

Surat Thani deputy governor Theeroot Supawibulpol shed some light on the matter. Nude sunbathing on the beaches of Koh Phangan used to be a frequent occurrence, but these days, local officials are cracking down on offenders.

In fact, signs like "no public nudity" have been prominently displayed on Zen Beach and Secret Beach, areas frequented by tourists, and information leaflets are handed out to businesses and visitors to drive the point home. Violators can be charged for either "committing an embarrassing act in public" or "performing obscene acts."

Despite stricter enforcement and visible reminders, there are still occasional visitors who try their luck with nude sunbathing in secluded spots. But as the case of the distressed Polish man demonstrates, the Thai legal system means business when it comes to this brazen behavior. Trespass at your own risk...and wallet!

The incident of a couple engaging in nudity on Koh Phangan's Ban Tai Road has led to stricter enforcement of public nudity laws, as the fine for violators can reach up to 5,000 baht, as seen in the recent case.
Surat Thani deputy governor Theeroot Supawibulpol has stated that while nude sunbathing used to be common on Koh Phangan beaches, it is no longer tolerated, with signs clearly indicating "no public nudity" and information leaflets being distributed to remind visitors of the law.
The recent incident of a couple engaging in nudity on Koh Phangan's Ban Tai Road, resulting in a fine of 5,000 baht, serves as a general news example of Thailand's approach to crime and justice regarding public nudity.