CHIANG MAI – Tourists in Chiang Mai have drawn sharp criticism for sunbathing in bikinis outside a historic temple, an act deemed culturally disrespectful by locals. Photographs of the incident, taken on January 7, 2026, near Wat Ratchamonthian, were shared on the Facebook page “Expose Chiang Mai V2,” prompting widespread debate online.

Foreign Tourists Sunbathing on Chiang Mai Temple Premises Spark Outrage Among Local Residents

The images showed foreign women lounging close to the temple’s moat, with one tourist notably positioned with her feet pointed toward the sacred structure—a gesture considered deeply offensive in Thai culture. The page administrator, who captured the photos on January 5, emphasized that such behavior disregards local customs and the religious significance of the site.

Social media users in Chiang Mai criticised a group of foreign women sunbathing in bikinis outside a temple along the city moat after photographs of them were posted by a popular local Facebook page. #ChiangMai #Tourists #Sunbathing https://t.co/caigrSTGtQ pic.twitter.com/3HVbtz4yyr

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) January 7, 2026

The post stressed that Chiang Mai is a city rich in tradition and spiritual heritage, and visitors should make an effort to understand and respect local norms. It also called on authorities to pay closer attention to conduct in public spaces near cultural landmarks.

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The online discussion highlighted an ongoing tension between welcoming tourism and preserving cultural dignity in heritage-sensitive areas. Many social media users agreed that greater awareness and sensitivity from visitors are essential to maintaining respect for Thailand’s religious and cultural sites.

-Thailand News (TN)