Joseph and Travis Dasilva, a gay married couple behind the (now-closed) Instagram account called @traveling_butts, were arrested at Don Mueang Airport in Thailand Tuesday night while trying to leave the country.
What did they do? They posted multiple photos of their bare butts taken at Wat Arun a Buddhist temple and popular tourist destination in Bangkok.
The men, both 38-years-old, dropped their pants at the religious site, snapped some pics and uploaded them to their account.
After receiving intense backlash online — some of it nasty and homophobic — they deleted their Instagram account with 14,000+ followers.
The two will likely be banned from ever returning to Thailand, according to the BBC and could be facing jail time. Deputy spokesman of the Thai immigration police, Col Choengron Rimpadee,said,
“Once they are through with the charges, the Thai immigration police will revoke their visas and push for deportation. They will also be blacklisted from coming back to Thailand.”
He explained the two were brought to a Bangkok police station to be charged with public nakedness, an offence liable for a fine of up to 5,000 baht ($153).
But other Thai government and police officials have told media that the charges could be more serious. San Diego city commissioner Murray Ramirez told San Diego Gay and Lesbian News,
“Though I am very disappointed in their actions, I am talking to U.S. government officials to see what assistance we can give them.”
A dumb and disrespectful thing to do, yes, but anything more serious than a fine and internet humiliation doesn’t seem appropriate.
(via Queerty)
