Police check ‘erotic garden’ in Chiang Mai

[Thaivisa News]

Chiang Mai:- Police Wednesday rushed to check an erotic-theme garden in Chiang Mai following suggestion on a foreign website that something extraordinary might have been going on there.

But Mae Rim police chief Pol Col Adul Somnuek did not find anything illegal in the garden, owned by Phetcharawan Kamminga, 49 and her Australian husband.

Phetcharawan insisted that her Erotic Garden and Tea House is only a tea house and garden that display arts in form of wooden and concrete sculptures.

She said the headline of an article written by an American photo journalist might cause misunderstanding among online people, prompting them to suspect that there was prostitution at her place.

Petcharawan insisted that all sculptures that are being displayed are erotic-theme arts.

Among the sculptures, there are several giant phalluses and giant breast as well as a sculpture of a woman hugging a phallus.

Phetcharawan told the district police chief that she and husband, who is an archeologist, has been living at the village for years and has gradually designed the garden with a budget of Bt3 million.

Her garden has just been open to tourists on January 9. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is Bt50.

Adul said he led his team of police to check the place after learning about it from a website but he did not find any illegal activity. He said the place is not a sex hangout as suspected by some online users.

“It’s just a private place with walls and just a coffee shop. No prostitution or sex activities here,” Adul said.

[Dumu Ali]

plenty of trouble makers but it all makes for good free PR anyway, I will have a coffee there and check it out one day

[chooka]

So is the Aussie owner going to charge 500bht for farangs or do us aussies get in for thai price of 50bht?

[HeijoshinCool]

"Police Wednesday rushed to check an erotic-theme garden …."

[sjjmmi]

LOL Amazing Thailand and the BIB No Money to be made here

[NongKhaiKid]

So is the Aussie owner going to charge 500bht for farangs or do us aussies get in for thai price of 50bht?

Imagine the howls if he reversed the normal situation and decided to charge Thais more for entrance ?

[Goldstar]

There's a hole in the wall that allows you to peek inside the erotic garden.

The police are looking into it haha.

[casualbiker]

Good that they didn't insist that it be closed. There is after all the temple outside Pattaya with all the phallic symbols.

[WitawatWatawit]

They couldn't find anything among all the roots, shoots and leaves?

[A1Str8]

These people are so sensitive. Politicians are robbing the country blind, human trafficking is thriving and people in powerful positions know about it, "people" get away with murder etc and they worry about a little prostitution now and then.

[klauskunkel]

Just pass an ordinance for them to be closed on Valentine's Day and the police can rush/check for compliance again...good exercise

[Greer]

Dear oh dear.... but at least the police now know it is nothing to worry about....

I wish the couple well in their venture.

[White Christmas13]

So is the Aussie owner going to charge 500bht for farangs or do us aussies get in for thai price of 50bht?

You just beat me to it

[Lupatria]

"Police Wednesday rushed to check an erotic-theme garden …."

Maybe they received new medication...

[NickJ]

In a very short amount of time there could very well be 4000 chinese tourists there daily. I hope they are prepared for it.

[wabothai]

Suggestions on a foreign website?

[masuk]

So is the Aussie owner going to charge 500bht for farangs or do us aussies get in for thai price of 50bht?

...and a cash bonus for those wearing Carlton FC colours!

[Showbags]

So is the Aussie owner going to charge 500bht for farangs or do us aussies get in for thai price of 50bht?

i am starting a biz overseas.....charging thais double

[davidgtr]

Suggestions on a foreign website?

The Huffington Post ran it first I think, & its circulated far & wide since then.

GT Rider has a story & photos on it here.

[fgmr]

"Police Wednesday rushed to check an erotic-theme garden …."

Maybe they received new medication...

Steroids or blueys?

[Showbags]

Did they check the carrots n cucumbers ?

[GoNavy]

I am somewhat surprised that the Thai Police would react so. They must NOT get around in their own capital. I first thought of the 'Penis Shrine' in Bangkok also named on the grounds of the Noi Lert Hotel......Shrine Of Goddess Tubtim.

[Alwyn]

plenty of trouble makers but it all makes for good free PR anyway, I will have a coffee there and check it out one day

I've been there and I would recommend it. Very nice and serene place. As for the erotic bit?Nope, nothing at all. Exotic maybe, not erotic though

[WheresWaldo]

They could have been arrested for possession of giant sex toys.

[steve down under]

A load of old cock about a load of cocks

[kalbz]

"Adul said he led his team of police to check the place after learning about it from a website but he did not find any illegal activity. He said the place is not a sex hangout as suspected by some online users."

“It’s just a private place with walls and just a coffee shop. No prostitution or sex activities here,” Adul said.

I guess that's what maybe called a Happy Ending !!!

[bubba]

Found some more photos and a trip report on a motorcycle touring forum here:

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/40862-The-Erotic-Garden-amp-Tea-House-Mae-Rim

[tif]

This non story is so stupid. A mere stroll along Ta Prachan market in BKK will show Buddhist style phallus and naked statuary mixed in with the various amulets. It's to do with 'fertility'. Thai Visa seriously low on any 'news' here now. Don't think we haven't noticed ...