Travis and Joseph Dasilva, the two San Diegans from Hillcrest arrested in Thailand for taking pictures of their bare buttocks at the Temple of Dawn, are facing more severe charges than first thought.
The new charges relate to posting their photos on the internet and taking photos of their naked body parts at a religious site.
The Bangkok Post reported that they would be charged with violating the computer crime law for posting pornographic pictures online and breaching Section 206 of the criminal law concerning behavior at a religious place that insults the religion.
The offense under the computer crime act is liable to a jail term of up to five years and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,000). The wrongdoing under the criminal law concerning religious insults may result in a jail term of 1-7 years and/or a fine of 20,000-40,000 baht ($600-$1,200). They had been fined 5,000 baht ($154) Tuesday night for getting naked in public.
San Diego City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez has been working with congressional officials on the case who are in contact with the American Embassy in Thailand who have talked to the couple.
“While their conduct is absolutely inexcusable, unacceptable and totally disrespectful to the people of Thailand and the Buddhist religion we are working to get them deported,” Murray Ramirez told San Diego LGBT Weekly.
Murray Ramirez who officiated at Travis’ first wedding stated that there is more to this couple than this disgraceful incident. “They are well known for their support of many charities and local benefits. But the GLBT community absolutely does not condone this kind of disrespectful behavior.” added Murray Ramirez.
100000 baht is $3000, not $30000
Now corrected. Thanks for pointing that out – Ed.
THEY’RE LUCKY ! There are places in this country they could get killed for doing that. Don’t let Judge Roy Moore catch ’em ! Peace & Love, Your LGBT Brother……………………..Dominic 🙂
They deserve whatever the Thai government wishes to pass down to them.
Talk about Ugly Americans, this should serve as a lesson to anybody who travels abroad, learn something about the country you are going to, and respect their customs.
Liz W.
Embarrassing