PATTAYA, Thailand – Two foreign women have gone viral after a clip showed them picking up a coconut left as a spirit offering on Pattaya Beach for a photo, before later returning it and apologizing once they were informed of the local custom. On July 2, a Facebook user posted a 45-second video showing the two tourists taking a coconut placed under a tree along Pattaya South Beach in Chonburi and using it as a photo prop. The clip quickly sparked discussion online.
A later site check found that the location is a common beachfront area where locals often leave offerings such as coconuts, sweets, and red soda drinks as part of traditional beliefs made for good fortune and respect to spirits or guardian entities. The area is also a popular photo spot for both Thai and international tourists, and it is believed the visitors were unaware that the coconut had been placed as a ceremonial offering rather than a public object.
Wanchai, 35, who recorded the clip, said he saw the group of 4–5 foreign tourists resting under the tree before one of them picked up the coconut and walked down to the beach to take photos. He then recorded the incident and later approached them using a translation app to explain the cultural significance of the item. After understanding the situation, the tourists reportedly expressed shock and apologized, stating they were unaware of the tradition. They also said a brief apology in Russian before returning the coconut to its original place.
