Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged tighter enforcement of laws governing tourist behaviour, following a series of high-profile incidents involving foreign visitors. Officials say such actions risk harming the country’s international image and public order.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday that authorities will apply existing laws more strictly, particularly in cases involving public indecency, disturbances, and drug-related offences. Government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksmisangchan stated that offenders will face legal action without exception, especially when behaviour conflicts with Thailand’s cultural norms, which place strong emphasis on modesty and respect in public spaces.
Recent incidents have drawn widespread attention both locally and online. In the coastal city of Pattaya, residents reported seeing multiple couples engaging in sexual activity in the sea, prompting complaints about public indecency.
In a separate incident, a tourist attempting a stunt on a moving songthaew fell and was injured. A songthaew is a shared pickup truck adapted for public transport, commonly used in many Thai cities.
In Phuket, police deported a Spanish man and a Peruvian woman after they admitted to having sex in a moving tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled motorised taxi widely used across Thailand. Similar cases have occurred in recent months, including the arrest and deportation of a French couple filmed engaging in sexual activity on a beach. Another pair from France had their visas revoked and were barred from re-entering Thailand after a separate tuk-tuk incident.
Authorities also plan to increase inspections of nightlife and entertainment venues to maintain order and ensure compliance with regulations.
Tourism remains a key sector for Thailand’s economy. The government projects 33.5 million international arrivals this year, a slight increase from 33 million in 2025. However, officials acknowledge that global factors, including ongoing conflict in the Middle East, may affect travel demand.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports shows that international arrivals fell by 7 per cent in April compared with the same period last year. Visitors from Europe declined by nearly 16 per cent.
Officials stress that while Thailand continues to welcome international visitors, adherence to local laws and cultural expectations remains essential for maintaining a safe and respectful environment for residents and tourists alike.
