Foreign tourist apologizes for visiting temple in sexy dress

PHUKET: A tourist who wore a see-through dress while visiting a temple in Chalong apologized yesterday after pictures of her outfit were shared on social media.

Tourist police ‘invited’ the foreigner, her tour guide and a representative of a tour company to apologize at a police station in Phuket Town. Also present at the station was a representative of the temple, Wat Chalong.

The police refused to release the name or nationality of the woman, saying it could affect ‘tourism relations’ with her country.

“We did not charge her with anything as she was technically covered up, but her dress was just too thin,” Phuket Tourist Police Chief Naruewat Puthawiro said. “We instead chose to educate her on the dos and don’ts of behavior in Thai religious places.”

Tourists visiting temples are advised to wear long sleeves and have their legs covered. As each temple’s rules may be different, visitors should follow posted instructions and generally conduct themselves in a reserved and respectful manner.

“We taught her a lesson about Thai traditions and culture, including how to dress while visiting a temple,” Major Naruewat said. “After that, she understood and apologized to Wat Chalong and the people of Phuket.”

— Kongleaphy Keam