The Governor of Mae Hong Son province has issued an urgent order to regulate and enhance the supervision of tourism activities in Pai town after observing inappropriate behavior from some foreign tourists during river tubing activities in the Pai River.
The issue came to light after a resort owner in Pai complained about the current state of tubing activities along the Pai River. The complaints highlighted that alcohol and beer are being secretly sold to tourists, disguised in plastic water bottles to avoid detection.
After finishing their tubing activities, these tourists, both men and women, would walk around Pai town in their swimwear. Some men wear only one pair of swim briefs while most women wear two-piece swimsuits or bikinis. This behavior was deemed to be disrespectful of local culture. Recently, there were even reports of tourists sneaking into resort areas to engage in sexual activities, leading to police reports and widespread online criticism.
In response to these incidents, Governor Chucheep Pongchai has instructed relevant agencies and business operators to swiftly implement measures to regulate tourism in Pai, particularly with regard to tubing activities for foreign tourists. The goal is to prevent such activities from tarnishing the town’s image as a tourist destination.
Initially, the district chief of Pai reported the findings of inappropriate behavior after tubing activities. Discussions between the district authorities and the police will be held with business operators to establish joint measures. These measures include banning all alcoholic beverages during tubing activities, with regular inspections by the team, and ensuring that all tourists dress modestly, wear life jackets, and understand the importance of respecting local culture and appropriate dress codes. Most tourists have been cooperative, with only a few exceptions.
The Deputy Governor of Mae Hong Son will visit Pai District to attend a meeting with relevant agencies to further organize and establish tourism measures in Pai.
Pai District in Mae Hong Son province is a popular tourist destination for both Thai and international tourists. From the beginning of the year until July, nearly 40,000 tourists visited. River tubing in the Pai River has become a significant attraction for foreign tourists, with two operators organizing tubing activities on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. (TNA)
