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Taking Selfies On Famous Beach In Thailand Could Be Punishable By Death

Taking Selfies On Famous Beach In Thailand Could Be Punishable By Death

Tourists have been warned that taking photos distracts pilots during their takeoff

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Tourists taking beach selfies on the island of Phuket could face the death penalty for distracting pilots.

The stretch of sand is right next to the airport in southern Thailand and it has become a popular attraction for holidaymakers who are desperate to get a snap with a plane right above their head. It's all for the 'gram.

But now airport chiefs have been left furious and promised to close off the section of beach following concerns that it could cause an accident.

According to the MailOnline, it hasn't been outlined just how taking pictures of planes could pose a danger but it's thought that doing so could distract pilots, similar to drones and lasers.

They are taking it very seriously though, so much so that the maximum punishment for taking pictures is the death sentence.

Wichit Kaewsaithiam, director of Phuket International Airport, said: "We want both the income from tourism and the aviation safety to co-exist."

Anyone found guilty of distracting the pilots could be punished under the Air Navigation Act which Kaewsaithiam told the Bangkok Post carries 'the death sentence'.

An example of pictures being taken on the beach.
Instagram/__makkara__

The airport's Deputy General Manager, Vijit Keawsaitiam, explained: "We are setting up a safety zone which will be categorised as a strictly prohibited area that does not allow people and tourists to take pictures. Aside from this area, local people and tourists can still come to take pictures as usual."

Monrudee Gettuphan, a director at the Phuket International Airport, previously told The Phuket News, that officials were 'concerned about the safety of residents and tourists' who use the area while taking selfies near the planes.

The airport official said: ''People need to stay away from the restricted zone. We want to prevent any unknown object or material injuring people, or even their hearing being damaged by the noise of the aircraft's engines.

''The penalty for anyone failing to comply with this regulation includes the death penalty, a life sentence, or a jail term of between five to 20 years, as per the Air Aviation Act 1978.''

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Sam Chui

Topics: Plane, World News, Airport, News, Interesting