9-7-2024 (BANGKOK) A brazen act of public indecency involving two Chinese tourists has sent shockwaves through the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, igniting a heated debate about tourist behaviour and respect for local customs.
On the afternoon of 4th July, the tranquil atmosphere near Chiang Mai University was shattered when a young couple, identified as a 22-year-old woman from Hong Kong and a 27-year-old man from mainland China, engaged in an explicit sexual act in full view of stunned onlookers.
The incident unfolded in a parking area adjacent to the university, where the pair had initially settled for a casual meal. Eyewitnesses report that what began as an innocuous picnic quickly escalated into a scene of public debauchery, leaving local vendors and students aghast.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” recounted Som Chai, a local food vendor. “One moment they were eating takeaway, the next they were completely starkers, carrying on as if they were in their own bedroom. It was utterly shocking.”
Thai authorities swiftly responded to distress calls from the public, apprehending the couple and subjecting them to medical examinations. Subsequent tests revealed the presence of cannabis and alcohol in their systems, potentially explaining their uninhibited behaviour.
The incident has reignited concerns about the conduct of some international visitors to Thailand. Dr. Supachai Wongsuwan, a cultural anthropologist at Chiang Mai University, commented on the broader implications: “While we welcome tourists, this blatant disregard for Thai cultural norms is deeply troubling. It underscores the need for better education about respectful tourism.”
Local authorities have been quick to emphasise that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Police Colonel Theerasak Sriprasert stated, “We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. The individuals involved will face legal consequences in accordance with Thai law.”
