British man fined 5,000 baht for naked stroll on Krabi beach
A British man faces a fine of 5,000 baht after a viral video, filmed by a Thai local, showed him walking naked with his friends along Ao Nang Beach in the southern province of Krabi.
A resident of Krabi province witnessed the naked British man, later identified as 23 year old Joseph William Kershaw, and filmed him. The video was later shared on several social media platforms sparking complaints against the foreign man’s behaviour.
In the video, a gathering of 20 to 30 foreigners can be seen posing for a group photograph in front of the Sailfish Sculpture on Ao Nang Beach. Kershaw was seen strolling naked in the presence of his companions, swinging his clothes in hand.
The individual who filmed the incident informed Channel 3 that it occurred on April 8. The group of foreign tourists arrived at the location accompanied by a Thai tour guide. Kershaw’s companions appeared to applaud his behaviour and encourage him. Neither his companions nor the Thai guide intervened.
While the foreign group may have found Kershaw’s actions amusing, locals did not share the sentiment, asserting that his behaviour disrespected both the landmark sculpture and the community.
The person filming noted that both Thais and foreigners were present at the scene when the incident occurred, yet Kershaw proceeded with his actions, apparently under the impression that he could behave as he pleased in Thailand as a foreign tourist.
Krabi Immigration Police and Ao Nang Police Station managed to identify Kershaw and found that he was in Thailand on a tourist visa. The British man was summoned to the Ao Nang Police Station yesterday, April 9.
Kershaw issued an apology for his inappropriate action in the public place and claimed that he acted under the influence of alcohol.
As a result of his actions, Kershaw was fined 5,000 baht under Section 388 of the Criminal Law: performing a disgraceful act in public by undressing himself, exhibiting his undressed person, or committing any other act of obscenity.
