Tour guide arrested for stepping on stupa

>> A female guide has been arrested after she allegedly stepping on the base of a stupa at the ancient Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, in Bangkok.

The suspect was identified as Noranontha Norakhamin.

The Thai guide was detained after a photo was posted online of her placing her right foot on the base of one of the iconic stupas at the temple, one of the city’s top historical tourist attractions.

Surachet Hakphal, the acting deputy chief of the Tourism Bureau, said Ms Noranontha’s act breached the Act of Archaeological Sites, Historical Objects and National Museums.

The offence carries a prison term of up to one year and a maximum fine of 10,000 baht. Pol Maj Gen Surachet said Ms Noranontha’s act was regarded as inappropriate conduct in Thailand.

He also insisted that police were not making an example of Ms Noranontha as legal action has also been brought in similar cases but had not attracted much media attention.

Individuals who display improper conduct at tourist spots nationwide will be subject to strict law enforcement, Pol Maj Gen Surachet added.

Yesterday, Ms Noranontha was brought to Taling Chan Provincial Court for prosecution after having offered a formal apology at the temple where she admitted to her wrongdoing and apologised to the public for her inappropriate behaviour.