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Foreign Women in Bikinis at Phuket Temple Fair Trigger Online Debate

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Foreign Women in Bikinis at Phuket Temple Fair Trigger Online Debate

A group of foreign women attending a traditional temple fair in Phuket stirred online debate after they were photographed and filmed wearing bikinis or revealing swimwear within the festival grounds — a setting many locals consider inappropriate for a religious or cultural event. Traditionalists argued that such attire shows disrespect for sacred spaces and cultural norms, while others defended personal freedom and tourism diversity, noting that Phuket attracts many beach-oriented visitors. Temple organizers declined to enforce a dress code, but some community leaders took to social media to remind visitors about respecting cultural contexts and modesty when attending temple fairs. The discussion highlights ongoing tensions between preserving local traditions and accommodating global tourism behaviour, with local tourism authorities urging mutual respect and awareness of cultural sensitivities.


beach wear only on the beach, or road alongside the beach

Just now, steve187 said:

beach wear only on the beach, or road alongside the beach

Some people get so jealous of the confidence of some western beauties. I'll be keeping a close eye on these two lovelies.

God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Let beauty ring in the mountains. In the rice fields. In the markets.

I've just watched the clip for the nth time, and you know what I'm thinking? No not that! Does either princess shave her armpits? Can't quite see from the vid; even when one of them is waving her arms about.

Very proud of the temple authorities for not making this a big issue. Easy to adopt the tactic at many wats. Offer sarongs. That leaves the midriff bare but everybody who rides the BTS has had their nose in a bellybutton!

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This is basic situational awareness, nothing more.

There’s an English saying from the 19th century that says “not brown in town”, meaning you dress for the setting you’re in.

Turning up to a temple fair in beachwear in Phuket isn’t about “freedom,” it’s about context and respect, unless they were touting for business!

Thais may tolerate it politely, but repeated incidents like this just reinforce the perception that some foreigners are ignorant of local norms. And every time it happens, it gives more ammunition to those pushing for stricter rules on tourists.

Beach attire belongs on the beach. Temples and cultural events deserve a bit of basic respect. It really isn’t complicated.

45 minutes ago, mordothailand said:

we are rapidly approaching the Tipping Point with bikinis, experts warns

I've heard this also.

Best to just sweep them away. Let nature ring in the valleys. Let nature ring in the forest. Let nature ring in the markets.

I reckon immigration should give out a pamphlet at all main immigration points which outlines briefly some cultural dos and don't for Thailand, for example

  • It is only OK for men to be shirtless and women to wear bikinis on beaches

  • Women shouldn't not touch monks

.

23 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Also they should cover up because they're not even that attractive.

What!! Not attractive?

Wouldn't mind them walking around our local market every Thursday.

Disrespectful garbage. Are there people who make it to Thailand that stupid, and think they can wear that in a religious site? Where would they dress like that at home?

Was this even a religious venue? If the location is used for significant commercial activities it should not be considered a religious site. They were not selling postcards.

Is it appropriate to have commercial enterprises on the site of a wat? The religious institutions benefit from a tax free status and yet operate non religious based commercial activities.

And yes, the 2 foreign women were idiots to go in their bikinis. However, they can be excused for their stupidity because they have been conditioned to behave like this. This is how they behave in their homelands too.

15 hours ago, Video News said:

filmed wearing bikinis

😂 Nice beer belly 🍺

The video should come with a warning, I was offended looking at.

Should be a law against overweight people wearing bikinis

1 hour ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

😂 Nice beer belly 🍺

The video should come with a warning, I was offended looking at.

Should be a law against overweight people wearing bikinis

At least it wasn't a giant Boris in a speedo.

Clearly ignorance of local norms. Those ladies, dumb as dog poo. "Gee Natasha do you notice we are the only ones in bikinis" da da

17 hours ago, steve187 said:

beach wear only on the beach, or road alongside the beach

...and the immigration office.

6 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Was this even a religious venue? If the location is used for significant commercial activities it should not be considered a religious site. They were not selling postcards.

Is it appropriate to have commercial enterprises on the site of a wat? The religious institutions benefit from a tax free status and yet operate non religious based commercial activities.

And yes, the 2 foreign women were idiots to go in their bikinis. However, they can be excused for their stupidity because they have been conditioned to behave like this. This is how they behave in their homelands too.

It is still a religious site, hence no alcoholic drinks sold at this fair.

But to be fair to them, this week it's much more a fair than a temple.

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