Two American men who posted photos of themselves with their rear ends exposed on their "Travelling butts" Instagram travel page at the capital's famous Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) could face seven years in jail.
The men, Joseph Jay Dasilva, 38, and Travis Larry-Spackman Dasilva, 36, have been charged with public nudity and are now in the custody of immigration police.
Police are considering pressing charges of disseminating pornography via the internet and committing indecency in a place of worship, said Col Jaruphat Thongkomol, superintendent of Bangkok Yai police station, where the two were taken after being arrested at Don Mueang airport on Tuesday night. He said police at Phlapphla Chai 2 police station are gathering more evidence as the two also posted pictures of their bare bottoms at Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram, another well-known temple in the capital.
Pol Col Cherngron Rimpadee, deputy immigration police spokesman, said the pair had admitted taking down their shorts and posing for photos at Wat Arun. The offence of public nudity normally carries a fine of up to 5,000 baht. However, because what they did took place at a temple, they could be fined up to 40,000 baht each. Stiffer penalties could follow if the additional charges charges are laid.
Tourists should have respect for places of cultural, historical and religious importance because it is simple good manners, he said.