Report Thai Tourist Arrested in Sri Lanka for Topless Stroll Along Surf Strip

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Photo courtesy of Blue Waters Arugam Bay

 

A Thai transwoman has received a suspended sentence after she walked topless along a popular surf strip in Sri Lanka, triggering outrage among conservative locals.

 

The 26-year-old was arrested on 14 July in Arugam Bay, a relaxed beach resort nearly 400 kilometres from Colombo. Social media soon buzzed with videos of her topless stroll, leading to widespread complaints of indecent exposure.

 

Local police confirmed that both residents and online users flooded them with grievances, citing disturbance and indecency. Detained overnight, she faced a magistrate the following day.

 

While Sri Lanka permits men to go topless, women, including transwomen, are prohibited. The tourist, holding a Thai passport identifying her as male, presented herself as female in court.

 

Pleading guilty to charges of indecent exposure, she received a six-week jail sentence, suspended for five years, meaning she'll only serve time if she reoffends. "If she repeats this, she will have to serve the full term," noted a police officer.

 

Arugam Bay is known for its surfing allure and laid-back vibe, but tensions have simmered over revealing attire worn by foreigners. The local Muslim community has repeatedly voiced concerns about tourists flouting cultural norms.

 

As a predominantly Buddhist nation of 22 million, Sri Lanka maintains strict social conservatism, banning nudity and topless sunbathing. Police enforcement has intensified recently to uphold these standards.

 

Officials emphasised the importance of respecting local customs. "While Sri Lanka welcomes visitors, our laws and traditions must be observed," stated one official.

 

Tourism is crucial for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery post-2022 financial crisis. An IMF bailout in 2023 and a visitor influx have stabilised the nation, but incidents like this risk exacerbating social tensions.

 

The arrest has sparked a heated online debate, with some defending the tourist's right to self-expression and others criticising her for disrespecting cultural norms.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16