4 days ago
Japanese tourist arrested for driving naked through Hat Yai streets
KOTA BARU: Barely two months after 10 Malaysian tourists were fined in Hat Yai, Thailand, for illegal street racing and traffic violations, another foreigner was fined yesterday for driving naked in the popular tourist destination.
The 56-year-old Japanese male tourist was apprehended after driving naked through the streets of Hat Yai about 5.30pm (Thai time).
In a Facebook posting, Hat Yai Tourist Police chief Superintendent Sakdanan Kamsai said the man was arrested in a joint operation between Hat Yai Tourist Police and local police.
"Several video clips and images of a man driving nude in public areas across the city drew widespread public outrage and condemnation on social media.
"Following this, our investigators managed to locate the suspect. He was later identified as a 56-year-old Japanese national," he said.
Upon questioning, he said the suspect admitted to being the person seen in the viral footage.
Police subsequently charged him under Section 388 of the Thai Criminal Code for committing indecent acts in public, which includes exposing oneself or performing lewd behaviour in public places.
He was issued a maximum fine of 5,000 baht (RM655).
The tourist was then taken to the Hat Yai police station for further action.
The officers also issued a stern warning, stating that such behaviour is illegal, inappropriate, and tarnishes Thailand's tourism image while offending local cultural sensitivities.
The suspect acknowledged his wrongdoing and issued an apology for his actions.
On May 17, 10 Malaysian tourists were fined in Hat Yai for illegal street racing and traffic violations.
They were caught obstructing traffic and causing excessive noise near the Greenway Night Market.
The group, aged between 21 and 25, were also cited for illegal vehicle modifications and incomplete vehicle equipment.
In addition to the fines, they were required to issue a public apology.
