Two United States citizens, Joseph and Travis Dasilva, both 38 have been detained in Thailand after they posted an online picture of themselves posing with their buttocks exposed at a temple. According to BBC, the tourists had taken the picture at Bangkok's famous Wat Arun temple and posted it on Twitter and Instagram.
Thailand which has very strict laws on behaviour considered the act disrespectful and offensive to its Buddhist religion and have concluded plans to fine and deport them. They were arrested on Tuesday when trying to leave the country at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport.
The Deputy spokesman of the Thai immigration police, Col Choengron Rimpadee said the two had been on a watch-list after authorities had spotted the controversial social media post. He further stated that they would be blacklisted and barred from coming to Thailand in the future.
"Once they are through with the charges, the Thai immigration police will revoke their visas and push for deportation. They will also be blacklisted from coming back to Thailand."
He added that the “two have been taken to Bangkok Yai police station to be charged with public nakedness, an offence liable for a fine of up to 5,000 baht ($153; £115).” Meanwhile, the commissioner, Nicole Murray-Ramirez said he is “talking to US government officials to see what assistance we can give them."
People visiting the temple are expected to dress modestly and the temple has signs advising visitors to cover their shoulders and legs.
