Button Up: Topless Tourists Face Arrest on Phuket, Warns Governor
By Premkamon Ketsara
Sunday, January 5, 2014
PHUKET: Tourists are being told to keep their shirts on or face a dressing down and possibly a fine for displaying unwanted flesh and cultural insensitivity.
Visitors are allowed to be half-cut but not half-dressed: that was the message yesterday from Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud after he went to Patong for an inspection tour.
'Tourists should wear shirts,'' he said. ''Away from the beach, it's impolite to go without your top covered up.
''Besides, it's actually against the law and police can arrest and fine transgressors.''
Even in your own car or on a motorcycle, it's an offence in every sense of the word.
The Governor said he had had complaints from residents in Cherng Talay, Kamala, Patong, Kata and Karon about topless tourists.
Some people even go topless when shopping in supermarkets, a cause of great offence to Phuket residents.
''It's best to remember 'When in Rome, do what the Romans do,''' the governor said. The sense of cultural indignation is widespread.
We hate to say it, but even a singlet is an improvement.
TripAdvisor suggests: ''Thai people pay extra attention to be dressed properly please respect them for there (sic) effort and follow there(sic) example. Thai people may not mind as much in the touristy areas and beaches however once out of these areas please dress appropriately.