A bartender in Thailand has been recorded shaving a woman's head after she allegedly attempted to leave a bar without paying her bill. The incident occurred on August 25 at a bar in the Pinklao area of Bangkok, where the woman reportedly accumulated a tab of 60,000 baht (approximately $1,812.25 USD) using a fake ID. After attempting to leave without settling the bill, she was apprehended by the staff.
Unable to pay the bill, the woman allegedly consented to have her head shaved as an alternative to being handed over to the police. Footage from the incident shows her agreeing to a “hair purchase contract.” A man filming the event can be heard discussing the terms of the agreement, stating that he would add extra for the hair.
The video depicts the bartender using an electric razor to shave her shoulder-length hair, which is reportedly intended for donation. The incident has generated mixed reactions from the public.
Chalida ‘Ton Or’ Phalamat, the founder of the Be One Foundation in Thailand, criticized the bar's actions, stating that they were excessive. She mentioned that the bar management contacted her to apologize and acknowledged that the manager acted impulsively. They also indicated plans to reach out to the victim's family regarding compensation.
Chalida emphasized that the manner in which the situation was handled was unlawful, noting that a contract made under duress is invalid and that shaving someone's head against their will could be considered assault and unlawful detention. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security in Thailand has been requested to investigate the incident.
This incident follows another case from May 10, where a man named Abdulloh was forced to shave his head in Bangkok after facing backlash for comments perceived as disrespectful to Islamic verses. Police intervened after a standoff with a crowd, and Abdulloh was later escorted to a police station for his safety.