A group of Muslim individuals gathered outside a restaurant in Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok, amid rising tensions over a viral livestream involving a transgender woman accused of insulting the Quran.
The individual, identified only as Lor, reportedly grew up in a Muslim community in Narathiwat before relocating to Bangkok for work. According to local reports, Lor and several transgender friends had frequently appeared in online livestreams, which some members of the Muslim community considered offensive to Islamic teachings.
The controversy escalated after an online user known as Freece engaged in a heated exchange during a livestream, criticising Lor and others over their behaviour and appearance. The discussion reportedly turned religious, with both sides making remarks that further fuelled anger among viewers.
Lor was later accused of altering a verse from the Quran during the livestream by inserting a reference to a dog, triggering widespread outrage among Muslim netizens in Thailand and abroad.
Clips of the livestream quickly went viral, prompting calls for Lor to issue a public apology. However, Lor initially refused to do so, further intensifying public criticism.
As pressure mounted online, the president of the Yamilul Mosque community in Prawet district reportedly arranged a meeting between Lor and community representatives at a restaurant on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 53 to address the matter.
However, news of the meeting drew a large crowd of Muslim demonstrators outside the restaurant, with protesters demanding an immediate apology.
Reports said Lor eventually agreed to apologise, but tensions escalated further when some individuals allegedly demanded that Lor slap themselves and shave their hair as a sign of remorse.
The situation intensified before Lor ultimately complied with the demands. Police later intervened and escorted Lor away from the restaurant to a police station to prevent further escalation.
Authorities also stepped in as some protesters reportedly attempted to approach Lor while being transported by police.
Footage of Lor’s head being shaved subsequently spread widely on social media, sparking heated debate across Thailand’s online platforms.
Some internet users criticised the incident, arguing that forcing self-harm and public humiliation was excessive and violated personal rights, particularly regarding gender identity and dignity.
Others, however, argued that the main issue was the alleged insult towards the Quran, rather than gender expression within the Muslim community.
As of now, Thai police have not confirmed whether any legal action will be taken against those involved in the confrontation or the livestream incident.
Unverified reports circulating online also claimed that Lor later expressed repentance and returned to religious practice, though authorities have not confirmed this.
