PATTAYA, Thailand — October 22nd, 2025
A group of four Japanese tourists have been fined for sexually harassing a salon owner in Pattaya, Thailand, after one of them was caught on CCTV lifting her skirt during a haircut session. The incident, which sparked outrage across Thai social media, occurred on October 19 at a hair salon on Soi 13/2 off Pattaya Beach Road.
Kanokkarn Sriworakul, 34, the salon’s owner, was cutting the hair of one of the tourists around 1:58 p.m. when the other three, who appeared intoxicated and were drinking beer inside the salon, began laughing and making inappropriate gestures. CCTV footage revealed one of the men reaching out to lift the hem of Kanokkarn’s skirt, an act she described as deeply disrespectful and humiliating. The group also reportedly mocked another customer, a transgender woman, with derogatory remarks in Japanese about her gender.
After completing the haircut, Kanokkarn confronted the men, warning them about their behavior. They initially laughed off the confrontation, with one offering a brief apology before paying 350 baht (approximately $10 USD) for the service and leaving. Outraged, Kanokkarn shared the CCTV footage on social media, where it went viral, prompting widespread calls for stricter penalties against disrespectful tourist behavior.
“This was the first time I’ve experienced something like this,” Kanokkarn said. “Their actions were unacceptable, and I won’t let this happen to others.” She announced her intent to file a formal complaint with Mueang Pattaya Police Station.
By October 21st, police had tracked down three of the suspects at a hotel on Pattaya Second Road. The fourth, believed to be the one who received the haircut, was not present and it’s unclear where he went. The men were brought to the station for questioning but initially refused to cooperate. After discussions, they expressed remorse and requested a chance to apologize directly to Kanokkarn. Authorities arranged a meeting, though it was delayed as Kanokkarn was out of town; it is expected to take place later this week.
The three suspects were fined under Thai law for sexual harassment, though the exact amount was not disclosed. No arrests were made, and the case appears resolved through the fines and pending apology.
