CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – An Australian couple was arrested after allegedly spray-painting a sacred temple wall in Chiang Mai and attempting to flee across northern Thailand.
Night-time graffiti at Dok Eung Temple
In the early hours of 30 January, at about 1:50 a.m., a man sprayed black paint on the outer wall of the Dok Eung Temple in Sriphoom while a woman stood watch beside him. The temple’s CCTV system recorded the act in detail before the pair returned to their hotel. The abbot reported the damage, describing it as more than a minor offence and as an attack on the sacred.
Police pursuit from Chiang Mai to Pai
Investigators quickly identified the couple as Joshua (32) and Gabrielle (27), who had travelled on to Pai in Mae Hong Son after the incident. Tourist police and immigration officers traced their accommodation, with the cooperation of the landlord. She informed authorities that the two were due to return to Chiang Mai by bus on 6 February, allowing officers to plan their arrest.
Arrest under bridge on outer ring road
Police set up near the Pa Khoi Tai Bridge on Chiang Mai’s outer ring road and moved in when the bus stopped. The pair was taken by surprise and arrested without resistance. Back at Chiang Mai Muang Police Station, they immediately confessed to the graffiti.
Fines, clean-up costs and damage claims
The two were warned under Thailand’s public cleanliness law and were ordered to pay for the cleaning of the wall. The abbot is also demanding compensation for the damage. He highlighted the financial impact, saying:
“The wall has been sprayed several times. The repairs cost tens of thousands of baht.”
said the abbot of Dok Eung Temple.
Rising concern over tourist vandalism
Monks and residents in Chiang Mai reported a rise in vandalism by foreign visitors. Temple walls, shop doors and private property have been defaced with spray paint, harming the image of the city as a cultural centre. Authorities in Chiang Mai have increased patrols in response.
Parallel case of political graffiti in Bangkok
Around the same time, a German tourist was arrested in Bangkok, accused of spraying political slogans on public property on Ko Pha-ngan. His messages included “FREE GAZA”, “LIBRE” and “GAZA” on electricity poles, kilometre markers and traffic signs. Investigators used biometric identification, obtained an arrest warrant and detained him at a hotel.
Authorities warn of tough penalties
Officials underlined that vandalism would not be tolerated and that foreigners damaging public or sacred property faced severe penalties. Under the immigration law, visas can be revoked and offenders can be deported from Thailand without delay. Police framed their actions as a clear signal that the hunt for disrespectful tourists had begun.