Tourist Sparks Fury After Sitting on Sacred Buddha Statue in Thailand

March 14, 2018

A female tourist who sat on the lap of a Buddha statue in Thailand’s Ayutthaya Historical Park is now under fire on local social media.

In photos shared by Nopporn Chompirom on Facebook page @queentogetherisone, the unidentified tourist can be seen posing for the camera as she sits on one of the Buddhas at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol temple.

Chompirom did not take the photos himself, but someone sent them to him to post online in the hope that authorities would take action, according to The Nation.

The witness was reportedly on the upper deck of a structure opposite the statue when he spotted the woman, who appeared to be Asian.

Unfortunately, she and her companion were already gone by the time he came down.

Phrakru Sirichai Mongkol, deputy abbot at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, said there were very few temple officials to monitor tourists.

He added that signs will now be erected to remind visitors to behave appropriately.

Meanwhile, Sukanya Baonerd, office director of Ayutthaya Historical Park, said that a formal complaint will be reported to the police.

The post has since received thousands of reactions and shares.

Also known as the “Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory,” Wat Yai Chai Mongkol was ordered to be built by King Ramathibodhi in 1357 as a burial site for two princes of Ayutthaya, Chao Kaeo and Chao Thai, who both died of cholera. It was first called Wat Pa Kaeo.

Since then, the temple served different purposes until King Naresuan ordered its restoration and expansion in the late 14th century. This event gave rise to its current name.

Thai users commented:

“Learn history.”

“Don’t do this, b***h.”

“Don’t bring your habits at home.”

“It’s not only about religion, but it’s an antique structure that needs to be maintained.”

“If she’s a foreigner, she may not know. We’re the host. We have to tell her. If she’s Thai, I suggest kick her.”

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