Indian tourists climb Buddha statue for mangoes in Ayutthaya (video)
A recent incident involving Indian tourists climbing a Buddha statue to pick mangoes at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon in Ayutthaya sparked anger and concern among the Buddhist community.
The incident, captured in a TikTok video by user @viewyeahhh, shows a woman, aged between 50 and 60 years old, of Indian nationality, stepping on the base of a plaster Buddha statue to reach the mangoes.
Another Indian tourist, also a woman, was holding a plastic bag filled with mangoes below. The video has prompted public outcry over the inappropriateness of such actions by foreign visitors.
Reporters went to inspect the site at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Ayutthaya province, yesterday, March 3.
The area around the Chedi Chai Mongkhon is surrounded by numerous mango trees, with the tree in the video bearing more fruit than others.
Kanyavee, a 51 year old tourist, expressed her disappointment upon seeing the video. She emphasised the sacredness of temple grounds, stating that visitors should refrain from interacting with temple artefacts, including Buddha statues and temple trees.
She added that while tourists are welcome to take photos and participate in merit-making, they should not touch anything within the temple.
Arunee, a 64 year old temple staff member, noted that the incident likely occurred during the recent holiday period. Although unaware of the incident at the time, she was shown the video by a guide and was shocked by the inappropriate behaviour.
Arunee speculated that the two tourists visited independently rather than with a tour group, as tour guides usually provide information on temple etiquette and the historical significance of the site, advising against climbing or stepping on sacred objects.
@viewyeahhh มะม่วงลูกนี้ได้บุญหรือได้บาป 55555 บุญแหล่ะ ใช่ปะ น่าจะ ไม่รู้อะ
♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – คุณเครซีย์จะทำให้คุณเครซี่🎡M – คุณเครซีส์จะทำให้คุณCrazy_🎡M
The temple has signs advising visitors on proper conduct and attire. Arunee mentioned that the incident may have occurred in the late afternoon when fewer visitors were present and temple staff were occupied with other duties, thus missing the tourists’ actions.
Moving forward, temple officials plan to increase vigilance to prevent further incidents, reported KhaoSod.
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