A host bar in Bangkok's Pinklao area has apologised after a woman had her head shaved over an alleged unpaid bill of nearly 60,000 baht.
The incident happened on August 25 and became public after Thai social activist Chalida Phalamat, known as Ton Aor Pen Nueng, shared details on TikTok. The venue later contacted Chalida to explain its side of the case.
Agreement signed instead of police report
According to Chalida, the bar said the woman had accumulated a bill of almost 60,000 baht but could not pay. It also alleged that she had used a fake identification card to enter the venue and had previously left other entertainment outlets without paying.
Picture courtesy of Workpoint News
Rather than filing a police complaint, the manager reportedly had the woman sign an agreement allowing her hair to be cut and shaved in return for 3,000 baht. That amount was deducted from her drinks and service bill before her head was shaved.
The bar said the hair was given to one of its workers for donation, although it did not say where it would be donated.
Activist questions consent and response
Chalida questioned why the bar did not report the alleged unpaid bill to police and why the woman's head was shaved so extensively.
She said she understood that the business faced costs and that its employees depended on their income, but believed the response had gone too far. She also raised concerns that the woman's agreement may have been made under pressure.
Online reaction was divided. Some people said the bar's response was excessive, while others considered it justified.
Bar promises help after apology
The venue has apologised through Chalida and acknowledged that its manager acted rashly in anger. According to Chalida, the bar intends to contact the woman's family to discuss possible assistance following the incident.
Chalida has also asked social development officials to check the woman's living conditions and wellbeing. Her age remains unclear and she may be a minor.
She urged businesses dealing with unpaid bills or suspected fraud to contact police instead of imposing their own punishment.
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30 August 2026
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