Public fury over video of tourists having sex on Pattaya beach

According to news site Pattaya Mail, the footage first surfaced on a Russian Telegram channel on Feb. 6, before going viral after being shared on Facebook two days later. It drew shocked and critical comments from viewers, questioning why the couple did not opt for a more private setting and expressing disbelief at their actions.

It provoked comments such as "Oh, my God", "Why not go to a hotel with such performances?" and "What kind of people are these?"

Many observers were quick to note that the individuals in the video did not seem to be Thai, leading to calls for their arrest.

In response, local police have cautioned against the online distribution of such explicit material, highlighting that offenders could face legal repercussions under the Computer Crime Act.

This incident is not the first to trigger a public backlash in Thailand due to lewd conduct on the beaches of Pattaya.

In January 2020, a video captured a young Russian couple, 26 and 19 years old, in a sexual act on a Pattaya beach, resulting in a 5,000 baht (approximately US$140) fine and a mandatory public apology from them.

Pattaya, known for its stunning beaches, extensive hotel offerings, and vibrant nightlife, serves as a key destination for tourists and is central to Thailand's massive sex industry, as reported by The Straits Times.

There are some 140,000 women operating as sex workers across Thailand, with tens of thousands thought to work in Pattaya alone, according to AFP.