Foreign Tourists Apologize After Taking Sacred Coconut for Photos
Two foreign tourists removed a coconut left as a spirit offering at a Chachoengsao beach to use as a photo prop, sparking online backlash before apologizing once they learned of the Thai tradition.
Two foreign female tourists went viral after taking a coconut left as a spirit offering at Pattaya Beach in Chachoengsao Province to use as a prop for photos. After learning the truth, they promptly returned it and apologized, unaware of the Thai tradition. On July 2, 2025, a Facebook user posted a 45-second video showing the tourists picking up the coconut, which sparked online backlash.
Reporters investigating the scene found that the beach area has a small tree where locals regularly place coconuts, sweets, and red water as offerings to the local spirit or shrine guardian for good fortune. The location is popular with both Thai and foreign tourists seeking seascape photos.
Vannachai, 35, who filmed the incident, said he initially encountered about 4-5 foreign tourists resting under the tree. After one tourist picked up the coconut and walked to the beach to take photos, he recorded the moment. When they returned, he used a translation app to explain that the coconut was a sacred offering. The tourists were shocked and immediately apologized, confirming they were unaware of the custom and even apologized in Russian before returning the coconut to its original spot.
