PATTAYA, Thailand – Songkran celebrations along Bang Saray Beach in Sattahip, around 20 minutes south of Pattaya, turned controversial after videos and images emerged showing young partygoers engaging in inappropriate dancing and revealing behavior in public on April 20.
The beach road area was crowded with both Thai and foreign tourists enjoying water fights and festivities throughout the evening. However, the atmosphere drew criticism after some participants, including young women and transgender revelers, were seen wearing revealing outfits and dancing provocatively to loud music.
One participant reportedly removed their top in front of the crowd, allegedly while intoxicated, prompting mixed reactions from those attending. While some cheered and treated the incident as part of the festivities, many tourists and local residents voiced concern over the behavior.
Critics said the actions were inappropriate given the presence of children and families in the area, arguing that such conduct damages the image of Bang Saray and Sattahip as family-friendly tourist destinations.
Local observers noted that the behavior could fall under public indecency laws, with growing calls for authorities to review CCTV footage and social media clips to identify those involved and consider legal action.
On April 21, police reportedly located the transgender woman seen dancing topless during the event. She admitted that she had gone too far because she was drunk, explaining that while she had exposed her upper body, she was still wearing bikini bottoms. She also apologized for her actions and the controversy caused by the incident.
Many residents said that while Songkran should remain fun and lively, celebrations should still have limits to avoid harming the area’s tourism reputation.
