Tourist criticised after climbing Chiang Mai ancient wall for photos

A female tourist sparked controversy on August 13 after being caught climbing the upper edge of a centuries-old brick wall at Chiang Mai's historic Si Phum corner to capture photos. Positioned several meters above the ground with no protective gear or barriers, the woman's actions drew concerns from onlookers about the potential risks of falling.

Residents warned that a misstep or slip could have resulted in serious or fatal injuries, and expressed worry that loose bricks might dislodge while someone was climbing or sitting on the unstable structure. The historic site, deemed an important cultural heritage by locals, was deemed unsuitable for climbing or sitting due to its profound historical significance.

In response to the incident, residents urged authorities like the Fine Arts Department, Chiang Mai Municipality, and Tourist Police to investigate and enhance monitoring at the site. They also advocated for multilingual warning signs, particularly in English and Chinese, to inform foreign visitors of the restrictions. This issue echoes a previous case at Wat Pha Lat, a 13th-century temple on Doi Suthep, which threatened to permanently close to tourists due to inappropriate behavior such as acrobatic yoga, gymnastics, and climbing on ancient structures.