Bad moon writhing
SURAT THANI: Tourists arriving on the island of Pha-ngan in Surat Thani Province are to be issued with stickers reminding them that “free sex” is illegal, following government concern over visitors having sexual intercourse in public places. The decision follows pleas by Khon Kaen Senator Rabiabrat Pongpanit to stop tourists on the island from humping in public during the island’s notorious “Full Moon” parties. Pramoth Supyen, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Southern Office Region 5, warned that although it would be difficult to ban the parties, which are an important source of revenue for the island, the police would put a halt to them if they were alerted to tourists making a public spectacle of themselves. Noting that tourists should be aware that Thailand is not a country that allows public bonking, he warned that those having sex alfresco could be arrested. The TAT will also issue stickers and leaflets to the island’s hotels and guesthouses outlining the legal position. It was not reported whether the stickers would contain an image of stick figures fornicating, with a red X superimposed. Nor was it reported whether those indulging in paid – as opposed to “free” – sex would be targeted.
