US tourists held for baring buttocks at Thai temple

Two US citizens are being held in Thailand after they posted an online picture of themselves posing with their buttocks exposed at a temple.

The tourists had taken the picture at Bangkok's famous Wat Arun temple and posted it on Twitter and Instagram. Immigration authorities told the BBC the pair, Joseph and Travis Dasilva, both 38, would be fined and deported.

Thailand has very strict laws on behaviour considered disrespectful and offensive to its Buddhist religion. The two tourists were held late on Tuesday when trying to leave the country at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport.

They will also be blacklisted from coming back to Thailand. The two were brought to Bangkok Yai police station to be charged with public nakedness, an offence liable for a fine of up to 5,000 baht ($153; £115). However, Thai government and police officials have told media that the charges could be more serious.

UCJ, UNILORIN.