Thai beach couple apologise over shameless New Year's sex act

The couple were fined $250 each after apologising for the New Year's behaviour. Photo / Supplied

A couple who were caught on camera having sex on a beach have issued an apology to police.

Russian tourists Roman Grigorenko, 26, and Daria Vinogradova, 19, were filmed in Pattaya, Thailand on New Year's Eve. After leaving a bar, the pair reportedly continued to drink on the sandy shores until a sudden urge kicked in.

Ms Vinogradova was filmed unbuttoning her denim shorts, before doing the same to Mr Grigorenko's jeans.

The sexual act lasted for around 30 seconds before the pair scurried back to their hotel.

The footage was given to police, who ordered five top officers to track down the couple after Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensarn said the indecent act could "destroy" the good image of Pattaya as a tourist resort.
At a press conference on Saturday, Lt-Col Piyapong explained what happened following the couple's arrest.

"Both tourists confessed to being the people in the video clip," he said.

"Before the incident, both of them travelled to celebrate the New Year. They left a bar on Walking Street then continued to sit on the beach drinking alcohol.

The tourists gave an apology after being exposed by Thai police. Photo / Supplied

"They said they felt sexual arousal and because they were intoxicated lost the awareness of where they were and started to have sex."

Once the pair were arrested, they issued an apology for any offence they'd caused to locals but added they failed to notice anyone in their immediate vicinity.

"I apologise for offending citizens and harming the reputation of the city. We're sorry,'' Mr Grigorenko said, according to the Thai Examiner.

During the apology, both offenders had their faces covered with hands clasped in prayer. It is understood police fined the couple $250 each on charges of public indecency, which is the highest penalty that could be imposed under current legislation for such an offence.