BANGKOK – A 21-year-old man reportedly died after jumping from the fourth floor of a shopping centre in Nonthaburi. Police said he was trying to flee arrest for secretly filming a young woman’s upskirt.
The incident took place around 7:40 pm on Friday at Central Westgate in the Bang Yai district. According to witnesses, a woman caught the man using an iPad to record under her skirt.
She acted quickly and called out for help, alerting both security staff and police. Officers detained the man, identified as a university student.
While they were collecting evidence, the man became desperate and tried to get away. He tossed his bag to the lower level, then jumped, hitting the ground hard. It left him with severe head injuries and a broken ankle.
A bystander described the atmosphere as chaotic. Some people burst into tears while others watched in fear as the man lay still on the floor. Paramedics rushed him to Kasemrad Rattanatibeth Hospital, but police later confirmed he died from his injuries.
Police chief Pol Col Siriphop Anusiri confirmed these details. According to news reports, the young man’s mother said he had called her before his fall. He admitted to secretly filming women and said he planned to take his own life.
He also claimed he was forced to do it by members of a private online group, who threatened to expose him unless he sent more pictures.
Upskirt Incidents on the Rise
Police reports have surged from 2023 to 2025, with over 400 victims identified in one case alone. Malls like Siam Square and Central Westgate are hotspots due to escalators. Public transport (BTS, buses) sees frequent complaints, leading to month-long police stakeouts.
On September 14, 2024, someone recorded a middle-aged man with his phone as he tried to film upskirt. A group of teenagers stopped him from running by blocking the bus doors, checking his phone for evidence, and alerting the police. The victim complained to the authorities.
On September 16, 2024, police raided an apartment and arrested a 20-year-old man accused of running a network sharing upskirt videos. Reports say he earned around 50,000 baht (about $1,500) a month, recording and distributing footage that mostly targeted women and students on public transport. Police seized electronic equipment and issued warnings about these crimes.
Recording under someone’s clothing without their knowledge is illegal in Thailand. This act is seen as a breach of privacy and public decency. Penalties can include fines up to 20,000 baht (about $600) and up to 10 years in jail, especially if minors are involved.
Repeated incidents have led to more high-profile arrests and police campaigns warning the public to stay alert. Police say women in particular should be careful in busy places like shopping malls, buses, trains, escalators, and pedestrian bridges. These shady acts not only put women at risk but also show how important it is for others to step in when they spot suspicious behaviour.
Advice for Safety Against Upskirt
Thailand’s hot, humid climate and crowded spots (e.g., markets, BTS Skytrain, temples) increase risks, but these evidence-based strategies from traveller forums, safety guides, and local reports can minimize exposure:
- Choose Modest Clothing:
- Opt for knee-length or longer skirts, loose pants, or culottes to reduce vulnerability. In conservative areas like temples, this is mandatory anyway—many sites provide free sarongs or shawls for loan.
- Avoid short, flowy skirts in crowds; pair them with bike shorts or leggings underneath for added coverage. Thai university dress codes often enforce this to prevent similar issues.
- Layer for Protection:
- Wear opaque tights, spandex shorts, or anti-upskirt underwear (available online or in Bangkok malls like Siam Paragon). These create a barrier without sacrificing comfort in the heat.
- Long-sleeve arm coverings or lightweight shawls can also deter opportunistic photography by minimizing exposed skin.
- Stay Aware in Crowded Areas:
- In places like 7-Eleven queues, night markets, or public transport, keep bags in front (not behind) and stand with feet shoulder-width apart to block angles.
- Avoid escalators if possible—opt for stairs or elevators. If on one, face forward and hold the rail firmly.
- Tech and Behavioural Defences:
- Use a phone app like “Personal Safety” (Google) for quick emergency alerts or location sharing.
- Travel with a companion when possible, especially at night. If alone, join group tours or stick to well-lit, busy paths.
- If you spot suspicious behaviour (e.g., someone crouching with a phone), make eye contact, loudly call them out (“Hey! Stop that!”), or alert nearby security—crowds in Thailand often rally to support victims, as seen in convention incidents.
- Cultural and General Safety:
- Respect local norms: Dress conservatively to blend in and avoid drawing attention. Thailand’s “mai pen rai” (no worries) attitude helps, but proactive steps empower you.
- For women travelling solo, consider apps like TripWhistle or local groups on Reddit (e.g., r/Thailand) for real-time advice.
This issue reflects broader challenges with gender-based harassment in Southeast Asia, but Thailand’s proactive arrests show enforcement is ramping up. If you’re a victim, seek immediate help by dialling 1155 for immediate assistance from the Tourist Police—many expats and travellers report positive outcomes when acting quickly.
