Rawai: A viral video circulating on social media shows foreign tourists swimming naked in the sun and under the hot weather on a beach in Rawai Subdistrict, Phuket, earning it the nickname "the new Nude Beach." Questions arise as to whether this damages Phuket's tourism image and what measures the provincial government will take to control the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, the tranquility and beauty of a small beach in Moo 6, Rawai Subdistrict, Phuket, once a secret to locals, is being challenged. Today, it's been dubbed "Shadow Beach," or as foreign tourists jokingly call it, "Nude Beach." While images of people sunbathing and swimming freely in the sun have become commonplace, they are a shocking sight for Thai society. A public space is being transformed into an exclusive area, disregarding tradition and the law.
This beach is relatively secluded, with a shoreline less than 50 meters long. This difficult access has become a "gap" that some tourists use as a space for excessive liberation. In just a few hours of observation, at least 4-5 naked tourists were seen walking around.
This Russian couple said they came based on reviews from their Russian friends in a video blog, who said it was a nude beach paradise. Similarly, the Russian woman said she's been here many times because she likes the privacy and natural surroundings.
It's not just Russian tourists who frequent this place; French, Chinese, and Japanese tourists also flock here, viewing it as natural. However, for the locals, it's a source of bitterness. This villager recounted seeing tourists swimming and sunbathing naked about 10 months ago, and the number has increased steadily. He had tried to warn them out of good intentions, but was met with abusive language and disregard for Thai laws and regulations.
Mr. Arun Solos, former mayor of Rawai Subdistrict, explained that in the past, this was considered a private beach because its physical conditions were not conducive to tourism like many other beaches in Phuket. Access was only possible on foot, a steep and arduous 500-meter path. Therefore, it was originally an unnamed beach. The names Shadow or Nude Beach are believed to have been given by foreigners who visited the area and passed down through generations.
However, it is believed that Phuket province and local authorities should urgently communicate to tourists that this beach is a public area, and swimming and sunbathing nude as is currently done is not allowed. Besides being against Thai law and considered indecent, it also violates Thai customs and traditions.
This could involve installing clear warning signs in foreign languages. In the long term, consideration may need to be given to deploying patrol teams to ensure security.
The viral online trend of foreigners walking naked on the beach has also led to an increase in Thai tourists visiting this beach.
Today, Phuket's major challenge is not just chasing down tourists who break the law by being nude on this beach, but also urgently organizing and regulating this beach, as well as other beaches throughout Phuket, to prevent these unseen areas from becoming "cultural blind spots" that would ultimately undermine the charm of the Pearl of the Andaman.