Photo of tourist at Thai temple sparks online debate

[snoop1130]

 

A photograph posted by the well-known influencer Toffee, known as Toffee the Computer Repairing Ladyboy, sparked a heated debate online. The image, taken at the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, shows a tourist stepping on a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, leading to widespread criticism on social media.

 

The controversy divided opinions. Some believe the foreign tourist’s behaviour is inappropriate and fear it could bring misfortune. Others, however, understand that cultural differences and the placement of the replica could lead to misunderstandings. They suggest that the temple or relevant government officials hold a meeting to discuss preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

 

Toffee recently addressed the uproar on their page, explaining that the image in question was taken two years ago, today. They clarified that the photo resurfaced because a friend tagged them in it, inviting them to visit the temple again, which led to its viral resurgence amidst ongoing social media criticism. It remains to be seen how the temple will respond to the situation.

 

“It’s an old photo from two years ago. My page followers pointed out why someone was standing behind the replica.”

 

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located in Chiang Mai, is one of the country’s most revered temples, attracting numerous visitors annually. The Buddha’s footprint is a significant religious symbol, and any perceived disrespect can lead to strong reactions from the public.

 

One commenter suggested that the temple or relevant government officials should organise a meeting to discuss preventive measures to avoid such incidents.

 

While the tourist’s actions may have been inadvertent, they have highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and signage to educate visitors on appropriate behaviour. This could help prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that such sacred spaces are respected by all who visit, reported Khaosod.

 

By Sarishti Arora

Picture courtesy of Kirandeep Singh Walia from pexels.com

 

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-12

 

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[London Lowf]

13 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

............the well-known influencer Toffee, known as Toffee the Computer Repairing Ladyboy.........

 

So well-known that Google has never heard of him/her!

[Kerryd]

Ah OK.
It's the temple at the top of the hill just West of the city of Chiang Mai.

Which makes you wonder why they used an old Black & White photo of the Sanctuary of Truth temple in Pattaya for the story.

What the actual temple in Chiang Mai looks like (a part of it at least).

[SAFETY FIRST]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo of tourist at Thai temple 

Looks like the Sanctuary of Truth. 

 

[HauptmannUK]

Stories and photos are becoming increasingly bizarre and difficult to make sense of..   A 'computer repairing ladyboy' and a photo of a Chiang Mai temple by the sea??

[Pouatchee]

2 year old photo? public uproar?

are the thais just aching to have a go at falang?

[nakhonandy]

1 hour ago, Kerryd said:

Ah OK.
It's the temple at the top of the hill just West of the city of Chiang Mai.

Which makes you wonder why they used an old Black & White photo of the Sanctuary of Truth temple in Pattaya for the story.

What the actual temple in Chiang Mai looks like (a part of it at least).

Yes, I was confused when I saw the photo, expecting a story from Pattaya.

Then I read on and it's Doi Suthep, couldn't be much further apart.

[nakhonandy]

1 hour ago, London Lowf said:

 

So well-known that Google has never heard of him/her!

Out of curiosity I found what I think is Toffee using the name in Thai.

ท๊อฟฟี่ สาวประเภทสองซ่อมคอมพิวเตอร์

 

Unfortunately it didn't help much and I have no idea why I bothered, boredom I guess.

10 minutes I'll never get back 🤔

[roo860]

52 minutes ago, HauptmannUK said:

Stories and photos are becoming increasingly bizarre and difficult to make sense of..   A 'computer repairing ladyboy' and a photo of a Chiang Mai temple by the sea??

Absolutely total <deleted> 

[edwinchester]

It's a footprint, people are going to step on it. If it really is so revered it should have a sign saying so or even be roped off.

[bob smith]

thai people are hyper-sensitive about everything..

 

they need to grow some skin!
 

bob.

[neverere]

1 hour ago, Kerryd said:

Ah OK.
It's the temple at the top of the hill just West of the city of Chiang Mai.

Which makes you wonder why they used an old Black & White photo of the Sanctuary of Truth temple in Pattaya for the story.

What the actual temple in Chiang Mai looks like (a part of it at least).

I just love the "any old photo off the top of the pile will do" approach at Asean Now. Keeps us guessing whether the article will be related to the headline.  😁

[Dcheech]

 A chance to be righteously angered cannot be ignored. Righteous outrage being a critical element in Thai culture. 

[BangkokReady]

50 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

are the thais just aching to have a go at falang?

 

It's the effect of social media, and not reserved for Thais.  Some people are desperate for something to be outraged about as they see it as a good way of getting attention and feeling special.

[ikke1959]

Very upset about something that isn't religious at all.. Ever seen the big footprint?? Thailand is not a Buddhistic country but a combination of several religions..Real Buddhism doesn't kill, doesn't gossip, and isn't money greed

[London Lowf]

4 hours ago, nakhonandy said:

Out of curiosity I found what I think is Toffee using the name in Thai.

ท๊อฟฟี่ สาวประเภทสองซ่อมคอมพิวเตอร์

 

Unfortunately it didn't help much and I have no idea why I bothered, boredom I guess.

10 minutes I'll never get back 🤔

 

Well, I only wasted about two minutes - but I'm retired and so I have plenty of time for these whimsical diversions.

 

[nakhonandy]

15 minutes ago, London Lowf said:

 

Well, I only wasted about two minutes - but I'm retired and so I have plenty of time for these whimsical diversions.

 

To be honest I was a bit bored otherwise I'd have ignored it.

 

[HauptmannUK]

Bored waiting for my wife to finish having her hair cut so I thought I would look for Toffee, the computer repairing ladyboy. Searched in Thai and s(he) popped up straight away. One of the less convincing ladyboys IMHO....

 

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A photograph posted by the well-known influencer Toffee, known as Toffee the Computer Repairing Ladyboy

Yeee gods.. 

[2baht]

11 hours ago, edwinchester said:

It's a footprint, people are going to step on it. If it really is so revered it should have a sign saying so or even be roped off.

There should be many signs strategically place that say "Local boys, Grow a pair"! Do you think every tourist is aware of your strange cultural practices???

[proton]

where's the pic of the Buddhas footprint? never knew he came to CM!

[CanadaSam]

Lately I've been annoyed at AN using pictures that have nothing at all to do with the topic!

 

Haven't mentioned it till now, but keep thinking, does AN think it's readers are all small children that need a picture, any picture, to be interested in a news story?

[Srikcir]

11 hours ago, edwinchester said:

It's a footprint

It's a replica as in fake. Remove it.

[anchadian]

These nonsense posts which are sprouted out daily keeps the members happy....555

[soalbundy]

6 hours ago, HauptmannUK said:

Bored waiting for my wife to finish having her hair cut so I thought I would look for Toffee, the computer repairing ladyboy. Searched in Thai and s(he) popped up straight away. One of the less convincing ladyboys IMHO....

 

Looks a bit gay to me.

[Peterphuket]

What are they worried about these days you can use AI to create any picture or situation you want, but yes, it will take them a few years to understand that too.

[roo860]

1 hour ago, soalbundy said:

Looks a bit gay to me.

Was on the Thai news this morning, he's no lady boy, just some irrelevant gay.

[Drumbuie]

14 hours ago, Dcheech said:

 A chance to be righteously angered cannot be ignored. Righteous outrage being a critical element in Thai culture. 

...and not in other cultures?? 😂

[PETERTHEEATER]

5 hours ago, Srikcir said:

It's a replica as in fake. Remove it.

A replica? That's outageous. Have you reported this on BookFace?😋

[Purdey]

I quite like photographs of structures in black and white. This one is good.