A politician sparked outrage for allegedly hiring scantily clad coyote dancers to perform at a family-friendly restaurant in northern Thailand.

Local district chief Watchara Thepkan reportedly invited the raunchy performances as part of 'community-based tourism activities' in Chiang Mai province.

Footage shows a thong-wearing coyote dancer twerking on a male guest seated on a wooden raft, with her behind just inches away from his face.

Other dancers in skimpy tops and tight daisy dukes gyrated on the back of a pickup truck, shocking parents who had brought their children to the restaurant.

Watchara defended the event following a public backlash.

He said: 'The restaurant has already been granted permission by the district and relevant agencies to hold activities and serve as a public relaxation area.

'I acknowledge that the clip was highly inappropriate, especially considering that this is a public space also visited by youths and children. Any provocative or indecent activities should not be allowed.'

The public official visited the venue with inspectors on April 9, and learned that a local businessman named Chetha Rungrueng had hired the coyote dancers to earn money.

He said: 'I admit that I was the one who hired the women to entertain guests. We had a clear agreement that the performers would dress appropriately and not wear anything too revealing. However, during the event, some customers gave tips, and the dancers went onto the customers' rafts to entertain them.

'Unfortunately, there was an incident where they exposed their underwear, as seen in the circulated images. I sincerely apologise to everyone for this inappropriate incident. After discussing the matter with the authorities, we will ensure that no provocative or indecent performances take place again.'

Officials said other restaurant owners have been warned against organising similar events, adding they may face legal action if caught.

Coyote dancers are a common sight in bars and concerts throughout Thailand. But politicians have previously been slammed for hiring them in gatherings and state-sponsored parties.

On January 28, a grandmother and former village official threw a lavish bash featuring more than 100 young coyote dancers for her 70th birthday in Pathum Thani.

In 2022, Adisak Phusitwongsanuyutat, former chief of the Khao Yai National Park, was probed and then transferred for a Chinese New Year party featuring coyote dancers.

While in 2015, a city mayor Samrarn Euachirawanic apologised for throwing a sexy New Year party with coyote dancers dancing on top of rented pickup trucks.