A woman who allegedly attempted to leave a bar without settling a 60,000 baht (about RM7,800) bill in Bangkok has reportedly had her hair shaved off by a bartender.
According to Viral Press, the woman was allegedly known for skipping bills at clubs and restaurants around the Pinklao area.
She reportedly entered a popular bar on Aug 25 using a fake identification document before allegedly accumulating a bill of 60,000 baht. She was then reportedly caught while attempting to leave without paying.
Staff at the venue allegedly demanded that she settle the outstanding bill. However, when she was unable to pay, she reportedly agreed to have her head shaved instead of being handed over to police.
Video footage showed the woman, wearing a strapless white dress, appearing to agree to what was described as a “hair purchase contract”.
A man heard behind the camera told her that he was not taking advantage of her and claimed the amount offered reflected the market value of her hair.
The footage then showed a bartender using an electric razor to remove the woman’s thick, shoulder-length hair. The hair was reportedly intended to be donated.
The unusual punishment has since triggered a divided reaction, with concerns raised over whether the woman genuinely consented to having her head shaved.
Chalida ‘Ton Or’ Phalamat, founder of Thailand-based NGO Be One Foundation, criticised the bar’s handling of the incident and said the establishment had gone too far.
She said the bar had contacted her to apologise and admitted that the manager had acted out of anger and impulsiveness. The establishment also reportedly planned to contact the woman’s family to discuss compensation.
While acknowledging that businesses have to protect their interests, Chalida said the manner in which the situation was handled was unlawful.
She argued that a hair purchase agreement made under pressure would not be valid and that forcibly shaving someone’s head could potentially constitute assault, coercion or unlawful detention.
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has reportedly been asked to investigate the incident.
Chalida also urged businesses not to resort to mob justice or take punishment into their own hands, stressing that disputes should instead be handled through the law.
The incident also comes after another person was reportedly forced to shave his head in Bangkok in May following controversy over comments mocking Islamic verses.
The man, Abdulloh, also known as Madam Loh, was confronted by a crowd before Police Colonel Jetsada Yangnok intervened and mediated the nearly three-hour standoff.
Abdulloh later apologised and was escorted to Wang Thonglang Police Station for his safety.
