The official Facebook page of Ayutthaya Historical Park yesterday started shaming tourists who have posted photos of themselves kissing, doing upside down splits, and climbing the 700-year-old religious site on social media.
Despite numerous instances of foreigners disrespecting Thailand’s holy temples — and being called out for it — many are obviously still not doing research before visiting the country. Ayutthaya Historical Park shared some of the photos tourists posted on their social media as a warning for others not to do the same.
“The tourists have no respect,” the post says bluntly.
“No matter how many staff are stationed or how many warning signs are placed at the site, the problem is not solved as long as tourists have no respect.”
They went on to say that right-thinking tourists should also warn fellow tourists who don’t know better, otherwise, there will be more of these photos coming out.
Ayutthaya Historical Park covers the ruins of Thailand’s capital in the 1300s.
While many Thai netizens were quick to condemn the travelers with such zingers as “Are these people really from civilized countries?” and “There are poorly-behaved white people, too,” others suggested the hijinks probably weren’t intended to offend anyone, and that maybe Thais could do a better job of educating foreigners on cultural propriety.
To be fair, while there are signs across the park warning people not to sit or climb on the fragile ancient structures, there are no specific signs warning about say … public displays of affection or performing tough yoga poses.
Some suggested it might be helpful if foreigners should be forced to watch a video presentation about temple etiquette at the entrance.
Disrespecting a holy site has not ended well in the past for other foreigners. Remember the two Insta butt bros who displayed their backsides at Wat Arun? They spent two weeks in Thai jail, elicited the country’s rage, and were booted out of the country.
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