French Tourists Fined and Face Deportation After Public Beach Incident in Phuket

Authorities in Phuket have detained two French tourists following a widely shared incident on Laem Lai Beach in Kamala that sparked public outrage online.

According to Kamala Police, officers tracked down the suspects on April 10 at around 9:00 p.m. after the video of the incident began circulating on social media. The couple was located at a hotel in Patong, within Kathu district.

The individuals, identified as 24-year-old Halan and 24-year-old Nadia, were accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior in a public place. Under Thai law, such actions are classified as obscene conduct, meaning behavior that causes embarrassment or offense to others due to nudity or indecency.

Both suspects were taken to Kamala Police Station, where they were formally charged. Authorities imposed the maximum penalty allowed — a fine of 5,000 baht each.

In addition to the fines, the case has been forwarded to immigration authorities, who are now considering revoking the tourists’ visas, which could lead to their deportation from Thailand.

Police emphasized that strict measures will continue to be enforced against visitors who violate local laws. Officials warned that such incidents can harm the island’s image as a global tourist destination.