Two foreign tourists have been fined after being caught spray-painting a school fence and public property in Chiang Mai, with police saying the pair also agreed to pay compensation for the damage. The arrests followed a report from a member of the public, who alerted officers after seeing two men using spray paint on the fence of a school in central Chiang Mai during the early hours of July 11.
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Police from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station responded to the report at about 12.40am. Officers found the two men actively spray-painting the school fence and ordered them to stop before taking them into custody.
The suspects were identified as 32-year-old British national Mr Elliot and 27-year-old New Zealand national Mr Keegan. They were charged under Thailand’s Cleanliness and Orderliness Act B.E. 2535 (1992), as amended, which prohibits scratching, writing, spray-painting or otherwise marking walls, roads, trees, buildings adjoining roads and other public property.
Investigators later imposed fines of 3,000 baht on each man through a settlement process. In addition to the fines, both tourists agreed to compensate the affected school for the damage, paying 4,000 baht.
According to Chiang Mai Provincial Police, the pair apologised for their actions, explaining that they had acted out of high spirits and promising not to repeat the behaviour. Police said both men accepted responsibility for the damage and agreed to cover the cost of repairs.
The operation involved officers led by Pol Col Pratchaya Thisala, superintendent of Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station, together with Pol Lt Col Tattavee Danphitaktrakul, deputy superintendent for prevention and suppression, and Pol Lt Col Wisanu Nuanmusid, inspector for prevention and suppression. Patrol officers led by Pol Capt Chatchawan Tanta responded to the public report and made the arrests at the scene.
The case highlights continued enforcement of laws protecting public property and maintaining cleanliness in public areas. Police have encouraged residents and visitors to report similar offences, with the latest arrests resulting directly from information provided by a concerned citizen.
No further charges or legal proceedings have been announced beyond the fines and compensation already imposed. The case has been concluded through the legal settlement process, with both tourists accepting responsibility for their actions.
Pictures courtesy of ตำรวจภูธรจังหวัดเชียงใหม่
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13 July 2026
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