PATTAYA, THAILAND – A short video clip showing a couple allegedly engaging in obscene acts in the sea off Pattaya Beach triggered public criticism and a review of night-time beach conduct.
Viral clip shared in fishing group
A 35‑second video was posted at 3:19 a.m. on 17 February in a Thai Facebook group for squid anglers, where it appeared to show a couple in the sea off Pattaya Beach in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Early reports suggested the pair were Chinese tourists. The footage, which allegedly showed obscene acts in the water, spread quickly across social networks and drew a strong public reaction.
Online users condemn alleged behavior
Many commenters sharply criticized the conduct seen in the clip, calling the couple’s appearance at a public location inappropriate. Numerous posts argued that such behavior harmed the image of Pattaya as a major tourist destination.
Witness account from the shoreline
ThaiPost reported that a journalist visited the Bang Lamung area and spoke with Ai, a 47‑year‑old representative of the fishing group. According to Ai, the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on 16 February while group members were squid fishing at sea.
“At first I thought they were just swimmers. Only when I looked more closely did I recognize the behavior as obscene and start filming with my mobile phone.”
said Ai, group representative.
Couple reportedly undeterred by onlookers
Ai stated that the incident lasted nearly an hour in total, with the couple briefly leaving the water before returning. He said that the presence of spectators did not appear to affect their actions. Many tourists and passers‑by reportedly watched and recorded the scene before the couple eventually left the sea and walked away without any visible reaction.
Authorities consider public order steps
Relevant agencies acknowledged the incident and began examining possible measures to maintain public order on the beach during night‑time hours. No specific steps had been announced at the time of reporting.
January case adds to concerns
The latest episode followed a similar case in January, when a British tourist and a Thai woman were reportedly caught performing obscene acts in public on Pattaya Beach, prompting a police response. The subsequent handling of that case attracted attention, though full details were not yet available by the editorial deadline.
Debate over conduct rules at tourist beaches
Together, the incidents raised questions about how behavioral rules are enforced at heavily frequented beaches. Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most visited coastal destinations, frequently comes under scrutiny regarding visitor conduct in public spaces.