Two Australian tourists accused of spray-painting the wall of Wat Dok Euang have been arrested after travelling to Pai following the incident. Police detained the pair as they returned to Chiang Mai by van before proceeding with legal action.
On 6th February 2026, investigators from Investigation Unit 3 of Chiang Mai City Police Station apprehended Joshua, 32, and Ms Gabrielle, 27, both Australian nationals. The two were identified in CCTV footage allegedly spray-painting the wall of Wat Dok Euang in Sri Phum area.
The incident reportedly occurred around 1.50am on 30th January 2026. Following the vandalism, Phra Khru Preecha Jaiboon, abbot of the temple, filed a police complaint after discovering damage to the temple wall.
Police later reviewed surrounding CCTV footage and identified two tourists — one male and one female. Authorities stated the male suspect used black spray paint on the temple wall while the female suspect allegedly acted as a lookout. After the incident, the pair reportedly returned to their hotel on Chaiyaphum Road Soi 1 in Sri Phum.
Investigators subsequently contacted the hotel and confirmed the suspects had stayed there. Hotel staff later informed police that the two tourists had travelled to Pai District in Mae Hong Son Province.
Authorities then coordinated with immigration police and tourist police to track their accommodation in Pai. On 6th February 2026, accommodation staff in Pai informed officials that the suspects would be returning to Chiang Mai and were expected to arrive by passenger van, stopping beneath Pa Khoi Tai Bridge on the outer ring road in San Phi Suea Subdistrict.
Police, along with tourist police and immigration officers, located the suspects who confessed to the deed. They have since been handed over to investigators and face charges under the Cleanliness Act and are required to compensate for damages.
