Foreign sunbathers get boot from Phuket park

PHUKET: Phuket City Police forced three bikini-clad sunbathers soaking up the sun at Saphin Hin to re-dress themselves yesterday afternoon.

“I am aware that officers took this action to ensure the safety of the women,” Capt Chatchai Choonoo of Phuket City Police told the Phuket Gazette. “We do not have officers set up at this park, or other similar parks, to ensure the safety of women who might be sexually harassed while sunbathing in bikinis.”

Tourists and residents are better off sunbathing on the beaches, said Col Khunnadet Nanongkhai, Phuket City Police Deputy Superintendent.

“However, if the provincial government or local government wants to promote our parks for sunbathing, we will of course make the necessary changes to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Col Khunnadet.

Police presence at Saphin Hin was increased following a gang shooting at the park that left a 15-year-old bystander dead during the final hours of the chaotic Phuket Vegetarian Festival (story here).

Additionally, a new curfew for the park was put in place by Phuket City Municipality in an attempt to reduce teen violence in the area (story here).

— Chutharat Plerin