PHETCHABUN, Thailand – Police have located and fined a woman who was caught on video wearing a revealing outfit and dancing in a manner that exposed her lower back tattoo and almost revealed her buttocks during the final day of the Songkran festival in Wichian Buri District. The incident sparked widespread online criticism over the perceived disrespect for Thai culture.
The footage, which showed the woman in a brown outfit dancing provocatively near a pickup truck while participating in water splashing festivities, quickly went viral. Many netizens condemned the act, stating that it tarnished the cultural image of Songkran, with some calling for authorities to take legal action.
Following an investigation, police identified the woman and issued a fine of 500 baht under Section 388 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits public indecency. The law stipulates a fine of up to 5,000 baht for those found guilty of such behavior.
The woman, who had returned from abroad to visit family, told police she had lived overseas since childhood and was unaware of Thai customs and cultural expectations. She apologized for her actions, expressing regret for any offense caused during the traditional celebration.
