Bikini-clad, selfie-taking tourists could face ‘death penalty’ on this Thai beach

Taking pictures of yourself on this Thai beach could land you in hot water.

Authorities in Phuket, Thailand are working to curb the number of visitors that flock to the famed Mai Khao beach, a picturesque location that has become popular thanks to its close proximity to Phuket International Airport.

Visitors flock to the beach to not only soak in the sun but also take pictures of themselves as low-flying planes hover above as they prepare to land. The portion of this beach near the runway has been dubbed “Unseen Phuket.”

The Bangkok Post reported authorities are developing a new safety zone near the airport runway that will restrict people from entering and taking selfies as a large number of people on the beach posing for pics can prove to be a visual distraction for pilots.

A Thai lady jumping as an airplane flies over for a selfie at the back of Phuket airport. Mai Khao beach is close to Phuket International Airport “and a lot of tourists like to selfie during the plane landing and take off on the beachside.” (Getty Images)

In an interview with the Post, airport chief Wichit Kaeothaithiam said more strict regulations must be applied to the area as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization. He added authorities can also hand out punishment as part of the Air Navigation Act.

Anyone found in violation can be fined $1,253 US or face up to 20 years behind bars.

“The maximum penalty is the death sentence,” Kaeothaithiam said.

Mai Khao beach isn’t the only location in the world where selfie-snapping tourists have been a problem.

On the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, Maho Beach is controversial after a 57-year-old tourist was killed after a jet blast knocked her to the ground. The New York Post reported the woman had been straddling a fence that separates the airport and the beach when a blast of air from the jet’s engines knocked her down.

from Canoe http://bit.ly/2WQ7rvA