A yoga instructor from the UK was apprehended in Thailand for allegedly offering tantric sex classes for a mere £10 near a popular eatery. Maria Shchetinina, aged 40, was taken into custody by Thai authorities during a raid at the restaurant in Koh Phangan on November 4. The arrest followed a tipoff from a Facebook user who reported that she was conducting “sex yoga” sessions for 400 baht per person.
Reports indicate that Shchetinina was operating under the alias Maria Sky Love as a yoga teacher, despite holding a work permit as a “customer relations manager,” which authorities deemed invalid. Allegedly, flyers promoting her classes specified that they took place at Ethos restaurant every Tuesday from 4.30 to 6pm, featuring movements of a sexually suggestive nature.
Tantric yoga, rooted in both erotic and spiritual practices, often incorporates sexual interactions within a ritualistic or yogic framework. Shchetinina’s arrest was part of a broader crackdown by local police on undocumented foreign employees on Koh Phangan, known for its annual Full Moon Party.
During the arrest, Shchetinina reportedly claimed, “My lawyer said it’s ok, it’s good.” Subsequently, she faced charges for engaging in unauthorized work. Authorities confiscated teaching materials, enrollment tickets, flyers, notes, and a sign displaying her image and a QR code.
Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit stated that Shchetinina’s actions violated the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree, as her role as a tantric yoga instructor fell outside the approved job scope. He added that she was charged for working beyond authorized limits and handed over to the inquiry officer at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The police raid was prompted by reports from social media users regarding Shchetinina’s provocative posts. Koh Phangan, a renowned holiday destination, is often referred to as a “hippie paradise” due to its array of beaches and retreats, attracting expatriate communities seeking Thailand’s picturesque beauty.
Shchetinina’s arrest coincided with the apprehension of an Israeli couple featured in a viral sex video at Wang Sai Waterfall on the island. The couple was detained by authorities, admitting to the act, and now face charges for indecent behavior in public.
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