Inappropriate Behavior in Sacred Space... Thai Temple Issues Stern Warning to Tourists

Revealing Outfits and Damage to Relics on the Rise
Temple Considers Restricting Access Due to Disrespectful Tourist Behavior
Past Incidents Involving Inappropriate Photos Also Reported

A famous temple in Thailand has issued a stern warning to tourists who repeatedly engage in disrespectful behavior.

On January 21 (local time), the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Wat Pha Lat, a temple located in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, recently posted a notice on social media urging visitors to stop engaging in inappropriate behavior.

At Wat Phraat Temple in Thailand, a tourist is practicing acro yoga wearing very revealing clothing. SNS

Wat Pha Lat is a Buddhist sanctuary where monks continue their practice and meditation, and it is regarded as a sacred site by locals. However, controversy has erupted as some foreign tourists have recently been spotted performing yoga poses in revealing outfits or climbing onto ancient ruins to take photos. Along with the notice, the temple released a photo showing a white female tourist wearing very revealing clothing and performing so-called 'acro yoga,' which combines yoga and acrobatics.

The temple emphasized, "Wat Pha Lat is a Buddhist temple and a sacred space, not a gym or an amusement facility." They added, "Wearing swimsuits, performing yoga, and making noise that disturbs the tranquility of the temple are all strictly prohibited." The temple further stated, "If such disrespectful behavior continues, we may have no choice but to consider closing the temple to tourists."

When visiting temples in Thailand, it is essential to follow strict dress codes and observe basic etiquette. Clothing that exposes the shoulders or knees should be avoided, and some temples do not allow tight-fitting attire. Visitors must maintain a quiet demeanor inside the temple and set their mobile phones to silent mode.

Earlier this month, white female tourists were criticized after being spotted sunbathing in bikinis near a temple in Chiang Mai. In 2017, two American tourists were detained and fined during their departure process after posting revealing photos taken at a temple in Bangkok on social media. The temple stressed, "Respect for culture and religion is not a choice but a fundamental requirement," urging tourists to improve their awareness.