PHUKET — A group of Kuwaiti tourists assaulted lifeguards at Nai Harn Beach on August 18 after being warned not to enter the water during a red-flag safety closure. The incident, captured in a viral video, has ignited public anger and calls for stricter enforcement of beach safety laws.

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The altercation occurred around 6:00 PM when the tourists disregarded clearly posted red flags—indicating hazardous conditions—and entered the ocean after hours. When lifeguards intervened to enforce the safety ban, the group responded with physical aggression, including spitting and punching. A 2-minute, 18-second video of the attack, recorded by a witness, spread rapidly on social media, drawing widespread condemnation.

Lifeguards stationed at the beach in Rawai subdistrict filed a formal complaint with local police, who have launched an investigation. The Kuwaiti nationals involved may face legal consequences if still in Thailand, though their current status remains unclear.

😡 Tourists behaving badly at NaiHarn Beach, Phuket! #Phuket #NaiHarnBeach

A group of visitors ignored the red flag 🚩 and swam during a beach closure… Lifeguards did their job, warning them, but were spat on and even assaulted!
🎬 เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket
#thailand pic.twitter.com/FehC6RAPV4

— Chrome Crumpet (@ChromeCrumpet) August 25, 2025

Online reactions overwhelmingly criticized the tourists’ behavior, with many praising the lifeguards for their restraint and dedication. “We’ve worked hard to maintain zero fatalities this year. That gives us the strength to keep doing our job,” one lifeguard stated.

The Arab tourists agreed to compensate the lifeguards with 200,000 baht.

Local officials emphasized that lifeguards play a critical role in protecting both residents and visitors and urged all beachgoers to respect safety protocols, especially during monsoon season when rip currents and rough seas pose significant risks. The incident has renewed discussions about tourist accountability and the need for heightened public awareness of coastal safety regulations.

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Authorities continue to investigate the assault as Phuket works to balance its thriving tourism industry with the safety of its beaches and those who protect them.

-Thailand News (TN)