Holy sites in Thailand
Thailand is over 90% Buddhist, the Kingdom is strewn with worship sites like temples, spirit houses and monuments. These sites are considered sacred – visitors should avoid climbing on them as it’s considered taboo by societal norms in Thailand.
Teens climbed over submerged crematorium
That crematorium in question was a part of a community temple that sank in 1988. On 9th March 2021, like this group of three teenage boys went swimming over a Kathun water reserve in Nakhon Sri Thammarat and climbed over a submerged crematorium for TikTok-worthy content.
Image credit: True ID
Their plans to create ‘hip’ videos and receive positive comments on TikTok backfired, as netizens weren’t happy with their actions.
Teen apologises for cultural insensitivity
In a public apology, one of the teens said his intention was to show appreciation for this unique architecture that’s located in the middle of the lake, according to Khaosod. However, Netizens were still unhappy with their actions.
“I truly apologise for climbing over the crematorium and had no intentions of offending anyone for my insensitivity. I truly admit it was my mistake and had no idea that many people find this as a sacred holy site. Being that, I don’t believe in these things personally. I often notice kids swimming around the reserve and people catching fish, I never thought me doing this would be a huge problem”.
Image credit: True ID
However, there are netizens who see things in the other light.
Translation: Buddha’s teaching on suffering and karma aren’t the interest for many people, but these people are interested in the crematorium.
Screenshot: สือจิตอาสา
Translation: Self-realisation/Forgiveness
Be mindful of cultural differences
Before visiting any place around the world, it’s always important to take note and do extra research on cultural differences and mannerisms; sometimes something that seems so small to us can be offensive to others. Plus, certain gestures and mannerisms can be considered an illegal act according to government laws.
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- 5-Year-Old Twins “Get Married” In Thailand, Parents Wanted To Fix Their Karma From Past Lives
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Cover images adapted from: @kookpanupan (Left), True ID (Right)
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