CHIANG MAI — Social media users in Chiang Mai criticised a group of foreign women sunbathing in bikinis outside a temple along the city moat after photographs of them were posted by a popular local Facebook page.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2026, users across Chiang Mai shared and commented on images posted by the Facebook page “Expose Chiang Mai V2” (แฉเชียงใหม่ V2). The photographs show a group of young foreign female tourists wearing bikinis sitting and lying on the grass inside the Chiang Mai moat, opposite Wat Ratchamonthian.
The page described the behaviour as inappropriate for Chiang Mai’s cultural traditions. It also claimed that one woman was lying with her legs open, with her feet pointing toward the temple, an act considered disrespectful in Thai culture.
In its caption, the page said it understood that cultures differ but questioned whether the tourists had made any effort to learn local customs before visiting, particularly given the location in front of a Buddhist temple. The post was widely shared and drew numerous critical comments, with most users agreeing that the behaviour was inappropriate and that visitors should familiarise themselves with local traditions.
The page’s administrator, who identified himself as “Admin Mana,” said he witnessed the incident at about 1 p.m. on Jan. 5, while driving through central Chiang Mai on personal business. He said he considered the tourists’ actions unsuitable, especially in a city known for its strong cultural and religious traditions.
He said he took the photographs and posted them as a warning and reminder to foreign tourists, as well as to relevant authorities, to help prevent similar incidents in public spaces.
