Tricky photography: The Thai beach has had enough of tourists risking their lives for selfies. Photo / Instagram
Tricky photography: The Thai beach has had enough of tourists risking their lives for selfies. Photo / Instagram
It's a bucket list item for many tourists who travel to Thailand.
But if you're wanting to take a selfie with an aircraft landing in Phuket, you might lose your life over it.
Phuket International Airport is cracking down on visitors who flock to Mai Khao Beach near the international airport, and take a photo with an aircraft landing overhead.
Located on the island's northwestern coast, Mai Khao beach has been a popular destination for tourists who wants to swim, sunbake and watch planes fly extremely low before landing on the airport's runway.
Mai Khao beach: A picture like this, taken by Schapelle Corby, could earn you the death penalty. Photo / Instragram
But officials have decided that taking selfies can distract pilots trying to land, and have threatened the death penalty against those who don't stop immediately.
According to the Bangkok Post, authorities are developing a new safety zone near the runway, meaning tourists will no longer have access to the area where they can take the selfie.
The beach has become famous for snaps of low flying jets. Photo / Instagram
"People and tourists will not be allowed to enter this area to take photos," deputy Phuket airport chief Wichit Kaeothaithiam said on Thursday, according to the outlet.
In addition, those who violate these rules, which are established under the Air Navigation Act, could face the country's maximum punishment.
"The maximum penalty is the death sentence," Mr Kaeothaithiam said.
The Phuket bucket-list photo has been banned. Photo / Instagram
"The airport wants to boost tourism revenues, but at the same time, it must make sure there will not be any problem with aviation regulations … Tourism and safety must coexist."
The Beach: The Thai beach will soon be forbidden to Instagrammers. Photo / Instagram
Some locals however, believe the safety zone will impact tourism in the area.
"If the beach is closed, we will have serious problems because many tourists simply will not come," Winai Sae-io, head of a local entrepreneurial stimulus program, told The Phuket News.
Some locals are concerned that banning photos could see tourists disappear. Photo / Instagram
"I want (Airports of Thailand, which operates Phuket International Airport) to look at us and support locals in making (a) living here, too."
Less severe punishments include a fine of up to 40,000 baht (about $1253) or a jail sentence of up to 20 years, according to The Sun.
