*This content was translated by AI.
Inadequate behaviors such as acroyo-ga and rock wall climbing in sacred Buddhist temples continue
The employee strongly warned, "If this behavior continues, it will be permanently closed."
An ancient temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, has put the brakes on tourists' rude behavior.
According to a report by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, the Wat Pha Lat temple, dubbed a "hidden gem," posted a notice on its official social media account on the 15th asking tourists to stop inappropriate behavior.
Located in the deep jungle of Chiang Mai Mountain, the temple is a peaceful Buddhist shrine and popular tourist attraction where monks meditate. However, there has been a controversy recently as some tourists use it as an exercise facility.
Wat Parat is a Buddhist temple and sacred sanctuary, not a recreational park or fitness center, the temple said, strongly warning.
Photos released by the temple show a white woman in revealing clothing doing acroyo-ga (partner movement combining yoga and acrobatic) with a man. In addition, activities such as climbing ancient buildings or visiting temples in swimsuits were seen.
The temple said in a notice written in Thai and English that it strictly prohibits the wearing of swimsuits and peace-breaking noise. In particular, he warned, "If this rude behavior continues, we have no choice but to permanently close the temple to all tourists."
Locals "Only tourists do this."
The notice was supported by locals as soon as it was posted on the employee account, which has 11,000 followers online.
"Only tourists wear revealing clothes in the temple. Criticism poured in, including comments saying, "Local people never do that," and "You have to dress and act in accordance with the rules of the country when traveling," and "Why on earth are you doing yoga in a temple?"
In Thailand, there are strict dress codes and etiquette when visiting temples. Clothes that reveal shoulders or legs are prohibited, and tight clothes are not allowed in strict places.
Also, in temples, it is considered profane to act quietly and point your feet at Buddha statues or monks. Cell phones should be set to silent.
In Thailand, unpleasant behavior in sacred places is punished by law. In fact, in 2017, two American tourists who shared photos of their buttocks in front of famous landmarks in Bangkok were detained when they left the country and were fined $150 (about 210,000 won) each.
Earlier this month, a photo of four white women sunbathing in bikinis outside Chiang Mai Temple was also controversial after it spread online.
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*This content was translated by AI.
