CHIANG MAI - A picture of a Chinese tourist's underwear drying on a chair in the passenger terminal at Chiang Mai airport has sparked a sharp warning from tourism authorities that tour agencies should curb such inappropriate behaviour.

The picture of the underwear drying at Chiang Mai airport - an action deemed inapproriate.

The image of a pink bra and woman's black underpants draped over  on the back of a chair at Chiang Mai airport was widely circulated on social media over the weekend, and met mostly with criticism that it was inappropriate. 

Pornchai Jitnavasathien, president of Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association, said it was the first time such a thing had been seen at the airport’s passenger lounge.

The association would ask tour agents and Thai guides to explain to their Chinese clients that such inappropriate behaviour would hurt the image of Chinese tourists.

The association had also send a letter to Chiang Mai airport management asking that officials be ready to explain to Chinese travelling alone that some behaviour was deemed unsuitable in Thailand.

The airport’s public relations officer said the incident occurred about two weeks ago. She did not know the exact date. The woman was likely waiting to catch a flight back to China and 9pm was the peak waiting time. Similar such inappropriate activities were not uncommon. 

She said in this case the woman was told to stow her underwear, but no further action was taken as it was not illegal, nor did it post a safety risk.