Indian Tourists Accuse Yona Beach Club In Phuket Of Outright Racial Discrimination
Indian tourists denied entry to Yona Beach Club despite bookings; claim racist remarks overheard.
A group of Indian tourists has accused the popular Yona Beach Club in Phuket of racial discrimination after being denied entry despite holding confirmed reservations and valid tickets. The incident, which occurred on January 19, 2026, gained widespread attention through a viral social media post and video shared by Goa-based musician Jonas Castilho Monteiro. He described the experience as humiliating, alleging that staff repeatedly changed their reasons for refusal and were overheard making remarks such as "Don't let any Indians enter." The group claimed their bookings were cancelled on the spot, leading to accusations of targeted bias against Indian visitors.
Yona Beach Club, a well-known floating venue that attracts international tourists with its scenic location and party atmosphere, has firmly denied the racism allegations. In responses posted on social media, the management stated that entry decisions were based on maintaining a balanced male-to-female ratio as part of seasonal crowd control measures, not nationality or race. They emphasized that the policy helps ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests, and similar restrictions have been applied to other groups when necessary. The club also pointed out that many Indian visitors have been welcomed on other days without issue.
The viral video and posts have sparked heated online debates, with divided opinions among netizens. Some users supported the tourists' claims, highlighting recurring reports of differential treatment faced by Indian travellers abroad and calling for greater awareness of potential bias in tourism hotspots. Others defended the club's stance, suggesting that entry policies may stem from past incidents involving disruptive behavior rather than outright racism. Comments on platforms like Instagram and X included references to issues like overcrowding, inappropriate conduct, or rule-breaking by certain groups, though no specific evidence tied directly to the denied party was publicly detailed.
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This episode adds to a broader pattern of complaints from Indian tourists in popular destinations like Thailand, where similar allegations of discrimination have surfaced in recent years at various venues. While some cases involve explicit nationality-based refusals, others are linked to dress codes, group size, or behavioral guidelines. The incident has prompted renewed calls for responsible tourism practices and better communication of venue policies to avoid misunderstandings.
As the controversy continues to circulate online, neither side has reported further legal action or official complaints to Thai authorities at this time. The case underscores ongoing sensitivities around equality in global tourism and the challenges of balancing venue management with inclusive guest experiences. Yona Beach Club remains operational, with its social media presence continuing to promote events amid the backlash.
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