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Tourists Taking Selfies On Famous Beach In Phuket Could Face Death Penalty

Tourists who will take selfies on the famous beach in Phuket could face death penalty for distracting airline pilots who are trying to land planes.

Officials said that taking selfies on the beach while the planes are taking-off have angered airport chiefs in Thailand.

The beach is located next to the busy airport of Phuket and is a popular attraction for tourists and locals.

Many people take photographs of themselves with planes in the back and post them on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram.

Airport chiefs are angered about what tourists do, which have led them to vow to close the part of the beach that is near the airport.

Reports revealed how taking pictures of the planes can pose a danger and can even distract its pilot while they try to land.

Officials in Thailand are really taking the matter seriously, so much that they have decided to put the death penalty as maximum punishment for people who will be caught taking pictures on the beach.

Director Wichit Kaewsaithiam, of Phuket International Airport, said, “We want both the income from tourism and the aviation safety to co-exist.”

Anyone who will be found guilty of distracting pilots will be punished under the Air Navigation Act, the maximum sentence one person can get is the death penalty.

Vijit Keawsaitiam, the Deputy General Manager of the Phuket Airport said, “We are setting up a safety zone which will be categorized as a strictly prohibited area that does not allow people and tourists to take pictures. Aside from this area, local people and tourists can still come to take pictures as usual.”

Director Monrudee Gettuphan said that officials are really concerned about the safety measures of tourists and residents who take selfies in the area while planes are trying to land.

He added, ”People need to stay away from the restricted zone. We want to prevent any unknown object or material injuring people, or even their hearing being damaged by the noise of the aircraft’s engines. The penalty for anyone failing to comply with this regulation includes the death penalty, a life sentence, or a jail term of between five to 20 years, as per the Air Aviation Act 1978.”