A bartender in Bangkok, Thailand, allegedly shaved a woman's head after she was accused of attempting to leave a bar without paying a bill of approximately $1812.25 USD. The incident occurred on August 25 at a bar in the Pinklao area of the city.
According to reports, the woman, who was reportedly known for leaving establishments without settling her bills, allegedly used a fake ID to enter the bar. She is accused of accumulating a tab of 60,000 baht before attempting to leave unnoticed. Bar staff apprehended her, and when she was unable to pay, she reportedly agreed to have her head shaved as an alternative to being handed over to the police.
Video footage shows the woman appearing to consent to a "hair purchase contract" before a bartender used an electric razor to shave her shoulder-length hair. The man filming the event can be heard discussing market rates for hair. The shaved hair is allegedly to be donated.
The punishment has drawn criticism. Chalida Phalamat, founder of the Be One Foundation, an anti-child abuse NGO, stated that the bar staff "went too far" and described the action as unlawful. She indicated that the bar's manager had apologized, admitting to acting out of anger and impulsiveness, and that they intended to discuss compensation with the woman's family. Phalamat emphasized that a "hair purchase contract made under duress is void, and shaving someone's head against their will can amount to assault, coercion and unlawful detention."
Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has been reportedly asked to investigate the incident. Phalamat urged businesses to avoid resorting to "mob rule over the law."
This incident follows a similar event on May 10 in Bangkok, where a gay man identified as Abdulloh was reportedly forced to shave his head after making comments that were perceived as mocking Islamic verses. That situation led to a confrontation and mediation by police before the individual was escorted to a police station for his safety.