A supposed Chinese tourist caught on camera half-naked in an open area of a woman’s restroom at Don Mueang airport has fuelled the firestorm of criticism surrounding visitors from mainland China.
The photo of the bare-breasted woman was uploaded to CSI LA's Facebook page on Feb 27.
Officials at the Bangkok airport later admitted that the incident took place at a handwash sink in one of its toilet areas, and said it would be difficult for airport staff to oversee all passengers around the clock.
"In general, Chinese tourists in Thailand are well-behaved and have brought substantial revenue to the country. If we see something inappropriate, we'll issue a warning or impose a penalty on a case-by-case basis," the airport stated.
- Recommended: Video of Chinese tourist kicking a temple's bell
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said it planned to produce a two-minute animated video explaining tourists how to behave when they visit Thailand.
The ministry said the video would be posted on different travel blogs and tourism websites, hoping it would end some of the Thai people's animosity towards tourists from China.
The video should be released in the next two weeks.
Anek Srichiwachat, head of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), called on Thai Internet users not to share the photo any further.
"The Chinese government has made a campaign telling its citizens how to behave when travelling abroad. The campaign might reach only the big cities.
"As the host, we should just nicely warn them. We should not berate them by sharing the photo," Mr Anek said.
Paiboon Amornpinyokiat, a computer-law academic, warned that people who posted and shared indecent photos could face five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht for violating the Computer Crime Act.