A Chinese tourist was fined in Thailand for washing her feet in a public bathroom on Phi Phi Don island
A
Chinese holidaymaker has been hit with a fine for washing her feet in a
public bathroom on one of Thailand’s picturesque tourist islands.
The
woman was spotted washing her feet in a sink less than 30 minutes after
island officials posted a ‘no foot washing’ sign in the loo.
The
warnings were posted in bathrooms on the island of Phi Phi Don a few
days after a group of Chinese tourists upset locals by washing their
feet and sandals in hand basins.
Koh
Phi Phi-Nopparathara National Park Chief Chaithat Boonphupantanti told
the Phuket Gazette: ‘She didn’t pay any attention to the sign directly
in front of her.
‘Our officers took photos of her breaking the law before informing her that she was committing a crime.’
She was
fined 1,000 baht (£20 or $30) and her tour guide was informed of the
incident, meaning she could face further discipline back home.
Mr
Boonphupantanti told the newspaper: ‘The sign is in English with clear
pictures of what is prohibited. We will be looking to include
Chinese-language warnings as well.
The Chinese tourist washed her feet in a sink less than 30 minutes after these warnings were posted
‘We
were not rude or aggressive when we were dealing with the tourist. We
are just trying to establish rules that will keep the place clean and
beautiful.’
The
relationship between Chinese tourists and Thai locals has become
strained following a series of high-profile incidents that have led to
stern warnings from the Chinese government and an etiquette guide being
published by Thailand’s tourist board.
Earlier
this week, photos that showed Chinese visitors washing their feet and
sandals in public sinks in Phi Phi led to outrage, with locals insisting
that the holidaymakers committed a cultural faux pas.
The signs went up in public bathrooms after a group of visitors washed their feet in sinks earlier this week
An
island official told NetEase, a Chinese media agency, that the
holidaymakers’ actions were ‘inappropriate’ and that notices would be
posted in public bathrooms to discourage the behaviour.
Thailand
is a popular destination for about four million Chinese tourists every
year, but locals have expressed frustration and outrage in response to
the actions of a handful of visitors.
Last
month, Thailand’s tourist board announced that it would be handing out
etiquette manuals to Chinese tourists who were visiting during the
Chinese New Year.
The relationship between Thais and Chinese tourists has been strained by a series of high-profile incidents
The manuals outlined how the holidaymakers are expected to behave while they visit Thailand.
They
were created after the Thai government received complaints from locals,
who accused Chinese visitors of defecating in public, causing traffic
accidents with reckless driving, and defacing tourist attractions.
Chinese
tourists were temporarily banned from even entering Wat Rong Khun, the
Buddhist White Temple in Chiang Rai, after complaints that they had
ruined the toilets.
