Chinese woman arrested over alleged hair-pulling in Pai

A Chinese woman has been arrested at a Pai resort after police said she repeatedly caused trouble by pulling the hair of Thai people and foreign tourists in the northern tourist town.

Su Qi, a Chinese national, was detained at Belle Villa Pai Resort in Mae Hong Son province at 1pm on 15 July. Pai police worked with immigration and tourist police officers after obtaining a court warrant for her arrest.

The operation was led by Pol Lt Patcharawadee Phadungyat, deputy investigation inspector at Pai Police Station.

Police are pursuing a charge relating to using force against another person, as well as conduct considered bullying, intimidating, harassing, humiliating or causing annoyance.

Pharmacy complaint prompted court warrant

The arrest followed an alleged assault inside a pharmacy in Pai district, where a woman was buying medicine with her husband and child.

Police said Su Qi allegedly approached the woman without reason and pulled her hair. The pharmacy owner, angered by the alleged behaviour, collected CCTV footage and handed it to the victim.

The woman then lodged a formal complaint with Pai police. Investigators used the available evidence to seek a court warrant, leading to the arrest at the resort. Su Qi was taken to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Reports of earlier incidents

Investigators said the Chinese woman had allegedly been involved in several previous incidents in Pai, targeting both Thai residents and overseas visitors by pulling their hair.

Police had reportedly been called out to deal with her behaviour on several occasions. However, no victims had previously made formal complaints, meaning officers were unable to take the case further at the time, police said.

Pai is a busy destination for international tourists, long-stay travellers and foreign residents, particularly during the cooler months. The case is a reminder that foreigners who are assaulted or harassed should make an official police report if they want authorities to pursue the matter.

Where possible, victims should retain CCTV footage, photographs, medical records and witness details. In this case, the pharmacy's camera footage and the victim's complaint were central to police obtaining a warrant.

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath

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16 July 2026