Tourists face death penalty for taking thrill-seeking selfies

Snap-happy tourists could face the death penalty if they fail to adhere to new legislation which bans them from visiting a popular beach in Thailand.

Mai Khao beach is just metres from Phuket Airport in Thailand, prompting herds of visitors to go there every day eager to land their latest social media photo of themselves perilously close to passing aircraft.

But local authorities have had enough, and in a bid to crack down on the growing numbers, a safety zone on the beach near the airport’s runway is being developed, the Bangkok Post reported.

Airport chief Wichit Kaeothaithiam told the publication stricter regulations are needed due to safety concerns and that violators must be subject to punishments under the Air Navigation Act.

“People and tourists will not be allowed to enter this area to take photos,” he said.

While fines and prison sentences are among punishments for those breaching the new laws, Kaeothaithiam said the consequences could be far more severe.

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

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