KO PHA-NGAN, THAILAND – District Chief Suriya Boonphan on 5 November 2024 ordered the immediate arrest of two Israeli tourists after videos showing them engaging in explicit acts at the Wang Sai Waterfall circulated across Thai social media platforms.
Midday act shocks visitors
At approximately 12:30 p.m. on 4 November 2024, several tourists at the Wang Sai Waterfall on Ko Pha-ngan recorded a man and woman engaging in sexual activity near the lower pool area. Multiple witnesses, including visitors from Bangkok and Surat Thani Province, forwarded the videos to local police. “THE SCENE WAS CLEARLY PUBLIC AND CAUSED DISTRESS TO OTHER VISITORS,” said Police Lieutenant Thanapon Chaetang in an official statement released that evening.
Rapid police response
Within 10 hours of the incident, District Chief Suriya Boonphan authorized a joint search involving the Ko Pha-ngan Immigration Office and local police. Using footage geotagged from social media posts, investigators located the pair in Village 7, Ko Pha-ngan District, early on 5 November. Police Colonel Naruwat Phutthawiro led the operation that resulted in the couple’s detention and transport to the Ko Pha-ngan Immigration Bureau for questioning.
Interrogation and admission
During the interrogation session that began at 3:00 p.m., the detainees—both Israeli nationals in their early thirties—confessed to being the individuals filmed at the waterfall. They admitted engaging in the act around noon and acknowledged public indecency. “WE DIDN’T REALIZE IT WOULD CAUSE SUCH A PROBLEM,” one of the tourists reportedly told Colonel Naruwat according to the official interview transcript.
Legal consequences under Thai law
Following the confession, officers from the Ko Pha-ngan Police Station filed charges for “committing an indecent act in public by mutual consent.” This offence, under Section 388 of the Thai Penal Code, can lead to fines up to 5,000 baht and potential administrative deportation. The suspects were transferred to the provincial police headquarters in Surat Thani for further legal processing on 6 November 2024.
Officials stress respect for cultural norms
In a press briefing on 6 November, District Chief Suriya Boonphan stated that the behaviour “DAMAGED THE REPUTATION OF ONE OF KO PHA-NGAN’S MOST VALUED NATURAL SITES.” He added that authorities will review surveillance at popular waterfalls and beaches. Officials also reminded visitors that natural attractions such as Wang Sai carry spiritual significance for local residents.
Pattern of misconduct concerns authorities
Just weeks earlier, on 20 October 2024, police arrested a British yoga instructor on the same island for promoting “erotic yoga sessions.” According to Tourism Authority of Thailand representative Piyaporn Duangsong, these incidents threaten the country’s tourism image. “RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOUR IS NOT OPTIONAL FOR GUESTS; IT IS A CONDITION OF VISITING OUR COMMUNITIES,” she said in a statement from Bangkok headquarters.
Thailand reaffirms tourism ethics campaign
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed that from December 2024, signs with behavioural guidelines will be installed at at least 50 natural sites nationwide, including Wang Sai, Haad Rin Beach, and Erawan Falls. Officials estimate the campaign will cost 1.2 million baht and aim to reach over 2 million foreign visitors annually with messages emphasising legal and cultural awareness.
Authorities urged foreign travellers to review local customs before visiting sensitive areas. Violations, they said, could lead to immediate detention and deportation.