The incident, which occurred at about 2:18pm yesterday (Aug 25), was captured on video and shared by the local social media page ‘Newshawk Phuket’. The footage shows a group of men confronting lifeguards before spitting at them and throwing punches after being ordered out of the surf.
According to witnesses, the clash broke out after the tourists ignored red flags posted on the beach and warnings that swimming had been prohibited for the day due to dangerous sea conditions.
A person who filmed the altercation told local media that lifeguards had blown whistles and repeatedly instructed the group to leave the water, only to be met with verbal abuse, spitting and violence.
Despite being outnumbered, lifeguards stood their ground. No fatalities were reported, and the tourists eventually dispersed.
One of the lifeguards involved said: “We work very hard at this beach. Everyone strictly adheres to the rules. This year, there have been no fatalities [at Nai Harn]. The total is still zero. We will be encouraged to continue our work.”
The video quickly spread across Thai social media, where netizens expressed fury at the tourists’ actions. Comments called for the attackers to be prosecuted, deported, fined and blacklisted from returning to Thailand.
“Prosecute them, send them back. They’re a nuisance to the country,” one user wrote. Another added: “Arrest them all and blacklist them. Ban them from entering Thailand again.”
Others voiced concern that such behaviour not only endangered the tourists themselves but also risked Phuket’s international reputation, particularly during monsoon season when strong rip currents often claim lives.
Daren Jenner, Marine Safety Commissioner for Thailand and Section Chief of the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA), condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
“By the video it looks like a couple of the lifeguards took some pretty good cracks. They were outnumbered,” he said.
“This type of violence towards Phuket’s lifesavers is beyond the bounds of human decency in a civilised society. A serious fine must be issued, jail time in Thai prison, and substantial compensation provided – sufficient to serve as a serious deterrent.”
Mr Jenner also suggested Phuket should consider lifeguard supervisors with warden-like authority to subdue and detain unruly tourists who ignore life-saving warnings.
Lifeguards at Nai Harn and other beaches have repeatedly urged both tourists and locals to respect red flags, which signal dangerous conditions. Strong monsoon-season currents continue to pose a serious risk along Phuket’s west coast.
“I would like to send my support to all the officers who stand up for the safety of the public and tourists,” one lifeguard added. “I urge everyone to respect beach rules so that the sea remains a place of happiness, not loss.”