Indian YouTuber asked to leave after trying to camp on Thai temple grounds
An Indian YouTuber was asked to leave a temple in Udon Thani, Thailand, after attempting to camp on the temple grounds without permission.
On 6 Oct, travel content creator Banshi, who has 17,600 subscribers, posted a YouTube video titled “Thailand Good Police Say Get Out of The Temple Now || First Bad Experience In Thailand Temple”.
The incident was met with criticism from netizens, who believed that he should respect the culture and rules of the country he was visiting.
Hitchhiked and camped around the country
The video began with Banshi having just woken up from his camping tent, which he appeared to set up at a shop in Khon Kaen province.
A group of locals also offered him food, which he accepted.
Source: Anything Banshi on YouTube
He then hitchhiked twice to reach Udon Thani. Speaking to a person who gave him a ride, he shared that he had been in Thailand for 22 days.
Source: Anything Banshi on YouTube
Upon arriving at Wat Phothisomphon in the evening, he encountered a young monk and asked if he could stay at the temple.
The monk replied that he could not sleep in the temple because monks were moving about, and suggested that Banshi book a hotel or rent a room instead.
Source: Anything Banshi on YouTube
However, he later said he could stay by a tree within the premises, showed him an electric socket he could use, and told him where the toilets were.
The monk also asked when Banshi planned to leave, and approved when he said he was leaving in the morning.
Police ask YouTuber to leave temple premises
However, the YouTuber appeared to have set up a camping tent inside a building on the premises, and several police officers arrived.
Officers told him not to sleep at the temple and to book a hotel instead.
Source: Anything Banshi on YouTube
He repeatedly told police that he received permission to camp and explained he does not always have the money to stay at a hotel.
Meanwhile, officers continued to tell him that camping at the temple was not allowed and asked him to pack up.
An officer also inspected his belongings, which revealed that he had laminated signs in English and Thai stating he had “no money” and asking to hitchhike.
Source: Anything Banshi on YouTube
Another officer later explained that the monk who allowed him to camp in the temple did not have the authority to do so.
Banshi eventually left the temple and reportedly spent the night at a petrol station.
Netizens criticise YouTuber for disrespecting rules
The video has since sparked criticism, with many questioning why the YouTuber travelled to another country without sufficient funds.
Many said travellers should always respect the culture and rules of the country they are visiting.
Furthermore, they stressed that temples are sacred places of worship and not free accommodation.
Source: YouTube
Some Indians, including members of the Indian community in Thailand, also raised concerns that Banshi’s conduct could reinforce negative stereotypes about their race.
Source: YouTube
Meanwhile, others noted that the police had been kind to the YouTuber despite his actions.
Abbot says YouTuber had been camping at temples without permission
In response to the controversial incident, Phra Ratchasankosol, abbot of Wat Phothisomphon, said the temple is willing to help people in need, but they must follow rules.
Anyone who wished to stay at the temple overnight must obtain permission from the abbot or an authorised person ahead of time.
Source: Khaosod English
The abbot, who is also the chief monk of Udon Thani province, also revealed that Banshi had set up camp at several temples without permission before arriving at Wat Phothisomphon.
At Wat Phothisomphon, staff had asked him to leave after closing time but he allegedly refused and requested to speak with the abbot, prompting them to call the police.
After discussing with authorities for about an hour, Banshi finally packed his belongings and left, the abbot said.
Temple has tightened security due to thefts
Meanwhile, tourist police officer Pol Lt Preeda Misatham said checks revealed that Banshi had entered Thailand legally on a 60-day tourist visa, which expires on 10 Nov.
During the incident, the YouTuber told officials that a novice monk had allowed him to stay at the temple.
However, the monk had no authority to approve overnight stays for visitors and was not fully aware of the temple’s regulations, officers found.
Mr Preeda added that the royal temple strictly controls access and does not allow overnight stays without the explicit approval of an authorised person.
Additionally, the temple has previously tightened security following thefts on its premises.
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Featured image adapted from Anything Banshi on YouTube.
