The stretch of sand next to the busy airport on the island of Phuket in the country’s south has become a popular attraction with holidaymakers.
Many beachgoers take pictures of themselves with the jets in the background and post the images on social media sites like Instagram.
However, now taking a picture at the airport beach can result in a death penalty.
The pilot being distracted is a major concern for the officials.
Wichit Kaewsaithiam, director of Phuket International Airport, said: ‘We want both the income from tourism and the aviation safety to co-exist.’
Vijit Keawsaitiam, the airport’s Deputy General Manager, said a ‘safety zone’ was in the process of being put in place under the flight path to prevent tourists from taking pictures too close to the planes.
He said: ‘We are setting up a safety zone which will be categorised as a strictly prohibited area that does not allow people and tourists to take pictures. ‘Aside from this area, local people and tourists can still come to take pictures as usual.’
