Taiwanese Tourists in Physical Altercation with Thais at Chiang Rai White Temple

The Chiang Rai White Temple in Thailand is considered one of the most beautiful Thai temples and is a well-known tourist attraction. However, last week, a dispute over photography regulations led to a physical altercation between a group of Taiwanese tourists and a Thai-Taiwanese couple at the White Temple. Footage of four people fighting inside the temple was recorded, widely circulated on Thai social media, and reported by Thai media.

According to Thai media reports compiled by Central News Agency on the 22nd, videos circulating on social media showed two couples grappling with each other on a narrow bridge inside the White Temple, while many tourists stood by watching.

The reports indicated that the incident occurred on the afternoon of the 15th. Those involved in the altercation were a Thai-Taiwanese couple on one side and a Taiwanese couple on the other. Police stated that the entrance to the bridge leading to the temple’s main hall clearly displays signs explicitly forbidding tourists from lingering on the bridge to take photos of the main hall.

This rule is posted in multiple languages to ensure mutual understanding among international tourists. However, police explained that some visitors may overlook the notice, and the Taiwanese couple in question were among those taking photos on the bridge.

According to reports, the actions of the Taiwanese couple angered the Thai-Taiwanese couple, and a verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation.

Thai Rath Newspaper reported that police stated both parties later cooperated with the investigation and agreed to pay fines and compensation, though the exact amounts have not been disclosed.