PHUKET — Residents in Rawai have raised concerns over foreign tourists sunbathing and swimming naked on a public beach, questioning whether the practice is appropriate and calling on authorities to investigate.
On 2 March 2026, the Facebook page “Phuket Info Center” posted four photos showing foreign visitors reportedly sunbathing nude at a beach in Rawai subdistrict, Muang district. The images triggered widespread debate online.
The post asked whether a so-called “nude beach” in Phuket was suitable, saying the use of a public beach for nudity could affect morality and the island’s tourism image.
According to local reports, the beach is located before Laem Phromthep and can be accessed via a narrow natural trail through an area known as “Soi Shadow”, requiring a 600–800 metre walk. The relatively secluded spot has become known among foreign visitors as “Shadow Beach”.
Most visitors are said to be Russian and European tourists, as well as expatriates living and working in Phuket and nearby provinces. The activity has reportedly continued for nearly a year, with both men and women sunbathing fully nude, while some wear bikinis. The beach is most frequented from afternoon until evening on an almost daily basis.
Although access is difficult, requiring a walk along a narrow coastal hillside path, no individual or company has claimed ownership or charged entry fees, indicating the area remains public land.
Community representatives in Rawai said they disagreed with the use of a public beach for nudity, arguing it was inappropriate and contrary to Thai cultural norms and laws. They said the practice had caused discomfort among local residents and should not be ignored.
Residents have called on relevant agencies — including the Rawai Municipality, Chalong Police Station, the Phuket Provincial Culture Office and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket Office — as well as tourism operators to examine the issue and establish clear measures to protect Phuket’s image as a world-class resort destination.
They stressed they were not opposing personal freedom in private spaces such as hotel rooms or villas. However, they said behaviour on public beaches accessible to all must comply with Thai law and social norms.
Under Section 388 of the Criminal Code, public nudity may constitute an offence for committing an indecent act in public, punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 baht.
Online reactions have been mixed, with some users saying such behaviour had existed for years, while others called for better communication with tourists about Thai culture and customs.
