Thai police fine two US tourists for taking ‘butt selfie’ at historic temple

Pair had an Instagram account which showcased similar selfies taken at tourists sites around the world

Bangkok's Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn (Getty)

A pair of American tourists have been fined by Thai authorities for public indecency for posing for a "butt selfie" in front of a famous Buddhist temple.

Police identified said Joseph Dasilva, 38, and Travis Dasilva, 36, were arrested earlier this week at an airport in the capital, Bangkok.

They were each fined 5,000 baht (£114) for baring their buttocks for a picture taken last week at Bangkok's Wat Arun, or Temple of the Dawn.

"The two American citizens have admitted taking the picture," said district police chief Jaruphat Thongkomol.

While Thailand has a reputation for racy night life, the predominantly Buddhist country is deeply conservative and revealing clothing is frowned upon while public nudity is considered offensive.

The two men had an Instagram account called traveling_butts which showcased similar selfies taken at tourists sites around the world. The account had more than 14,000 followers but after they were fined it had been deleted.

Chief Jaruphat said the two would also be fined for a similar picture taken at another temple in Bangkok.

They were being held at an immigration detention centre while police considered a possible violation of Thailand's Computer Crime Act, as the photograph was uploaded online, Jaruphat said.