Spanish travel blogger Patricia Alejos Monzon, who has 32,000 followers on Instagram, is being criticized for posing in front of a moving train on the tracks of Thailand’s Maeklong Railway Market — a post that critics say might “encourage” others to copy.
The architect and “influencer” admits she didn’t think much about the implications behind the shot she posted from the popular Samut Songkhram tourist attraction last Wednesday and, frankly, can’t see what all the fuss is about.
In the photo, Monzon can be seen striking a pose in the middle of train tracks as the train approaches.
Though scurrying away from danger each time the train slowly passes through the area is common practice for local market vendors, (and has become the most iconic aspect of the tourist attraction), it’s not often that a foreign tourist uses the experience as a photo-op.
“They said that it was really dangerous what I was doing. They were holding their cellphones filming how the train was coming at 5km/h speed while screaming at me saying that I was at risk,” she writes in the image caption.
“Well, to be honest, at that speed even a turtle would have saved its life.”
If people already didn’t care for the pic, the sarcasm probably didn’t help the reaction.
Many netizens quickly pointed out that — whether Monzon’s life was in danger or not — she shouldn’t encourage followers to do the same.
“It’s great that you’ve created such a crazy photo, now let’s hope there are no kids out there stupid enough to copy it,” one commenter wrote.
“In the Netherlands (where I live), people kill themselves by jumping in front of trains on a daily basis. Railway tracks are not meant to be walked on, no matter how slow the train is going,” writes another, adding that they’re “not hating” but simply feel compelled to weigh in on the debate.
Monzon has since defended her actions, claiming in the comments section that “this is not dangerous at all.”
“I am not the first and won’t be the last person taking a photo here or any other dangerous place … It is on ourselves to be aware of the dangers and the limits,” she continued.
“I value my safety and life.”
Regardless of the backlash, many seemed to like the photo, which collected more than 19,000 likes — before being deleted right before the publication of this article.
Although Monzon’s little stunt made headlines in European publications, when it comes to the shock factor, she’s well behind this Russian couple, who climbed a crane in Pattaya to take a selfie.
And never forget these Hong Kong teens who climbed the antenna of Bangkok’s then-highest building — also for ostensibly Insta-worthy shots.
Related:
Famous Russian risky selfie couple posts shocking video from crane over Pattaya Bay
From sky high to jail low? Hong Kong teens may be charged for ‘sky high selfies’
After dozens climb up railway overpass to watch show, 3 killed trying to avoid train
Reader Interactions