A bartender in Thailand has sparked outrage after shaving an 18-year-old woman’s head. The Bangkok bartender incident has drawn widespread attention. She had allegedly attempted to leave a bar without settling a bill worth about 60,000 baht, which is roughly $1,800.
According to Viral Press, the incident happened on August 25 at a bar in Bangkok’s Pinklao area. The young woman was accused of using a fake identification document to gain entry. She then allegedly attempted to leave without paying.
Reports claimed the woman had previously become known among some clubs and restaurants in the area. She was allegedly leaving establishments without settling her bills.
After staff stopped her from leaving, they reportedly demanded payment for the outstanding tab.
When she was unable to pay, an unusual arrangement was allegedly reached. Her hair would be cut as part of what was described as a “hair purchase contract” instead of immediately involving the police. The Bangkok bartender incident set a precedent that concerned many.
Footage from the incident showed the woman sitting in a white outfit. A man used electric clippers to remove her long hair during the Bangkok bartender incident.
“I am not taking advantage of you. This is the market rate,” a man behind the camera could be heard saying during the exchange.
The removed hair was reportedly intended for donation.
Viral haircut sparks backlash
The footage quickly generated controversy after spreading across social media. Critics questioned whether the woman could genuinely consent to having her head shaved while facing pressure over the unpaid bill.
Chalida “Ton Or” Phalamat, founder of Thailand’s Be One Foundation, criticised the way the matter was handled. She argued that bar staff should have allowed law enforcement authorities to deal with the alleged offence.
She said a contract entered under pressure could be invalid. Additionally, she warned that forcibly shaving someone’s hair could potentially raise allegations of assault, coercion or unlawful detention. The Bangkok bartender incident raised serious legal and ethical questions.
According to reports, the bar later contacted her to apologise and acknowledged that its manager had acted impulsively.
Authorities asked to investigate
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has reportedly been asked to examine the incident and assess the woman’s welfare.
The controversy has divided social media users. Some criticised the alleged attempt to avoid paying the bill while others argued that bar staff had no authority to impose their own form of punishment.
Authorities had not publicly announced criminal charges arising from the incident as of the time of the reports.
The viral footage has continued to circulate online. Meanwhile, debate grows over whether the response to the alleged drink-and-dash crossed the line from recovering a debt into unlawful humiliation.
