Uproar in Thailand as two men walk around Phuket Airport in Budgy Smuggler swimmers: ‘100 per cent chance they’re Australian’
A photo of two tourists wearing swimming trunks in Thailand has outraged locals, who urged visitors to respect their local culture.
The photo of two men wearing Budgy Smuggler-branded leopard print at Phuket airport went viral on Thai social media this week.
“If you want mass tourism, unfortunately not everyone will toe the cultural line,” said one disapproving commentator.
The image, taken at Phukey Airport, showed the two men loading trolleys with bags
Although the nationality of the men is not known, they were wearing the popular Australian brand ‘Budgy Smugglers’
“Very simple really: if you can’t respect the culture, tradition and laws of the country, don’t visit,” a second person wrote.
“I don’t know of any country in the world where this would be acceptable,” said another.
“I find it hard to believe this is normal culture everywhere,” wrote a fourth.
Some locals had no problem with the men’s clothing, saying tourists contribute to the Thai economy.
‘Welcome to Thailand! Do anything if you want! Just don’t cause other people to have problems. You come to relax, we know this is our country’s business,” one person wrote.
There was also confusion if the men had just arrived in the country, ready to go to the beach, or if they were preparing to check in for their flight.
“Pants are required at the airport,” one person wrote.
‘Some people like to enjoy the sun for the very last minute. Lol,” another added.
“They are excited and ready to swim,” one said.
Thailand has a rich cultural heritage that locals believe should be respected
Although the nationalities of the men are not known, some thought there was a ‘100 percent chance’ they were Australian.
Southeast Asian tourist destination Bali recently separately announced a crackdown on misbehaving tourists.
Balinese authorities have formed a task force at the end of 2023 to ensure tourists behave.
Travelers are also given a card with ‘do’s’ and ‘don’t’s’ upon arrival at Denpasar airport to make tourists aware of local laws and traditions.
Indonesia expelled more than 200 international tourists from Bali last year, including at least a dozen Australians.