Two US tourists detained in Bangkok for flashing buttocks at Buddhist temple, could face five years in jail
People visiting temples are also expected to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and legs – with advice signs common at Bangkok’s religious landmarks
Two American tourists have been held for “inappropriate behaviour” after sharing photos of them baring their buttocks at a famous Bangkok temple, Thai police said on Wednesday, as the ruling junta cracks down on insults to Buddhism.
The pair, Joseph and Travis Dasilva, both 38, uploaded pictures on November 24 of their bared backsides at Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) to Instagram. It was not immediately clear if the men were related.
But their asinine antics could land them in more serious trouble after police sought to charge them under a draconian computer crime law – an offence that can carry jail time.
The riverside temple, whose ancient prang – tower – is the one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks, features on the logo of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
We are now seeking court approval to prosecute them on Computer Crime Act for uploading pornographic pictures
The men were detained at a Bangkok airport late on Tuesday and fined US$150 each.
“They were detained as they were about to leave Thailand,” Colonel Cherngron Rimpadee, an Immigration Police spokesman said, adding they were on a “watch list” after their social media posts caught authorities’ attention.