British tourist faces 10-year jail term for graffiti on Thai landmark
A British tourist accused of spraying graffiti on one of Thailand’s most historic attractions could be handed a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of more than £23,000.
Local police said 23-year-old Lee Furlong from Liverpool has admitted defacing Tha Phae Gate in the northern city of Chiang Mai and he faces charges of vandalizing an archaeological site.
Video footage appears to show a man spraying ‘Scouser Lee’ on the gate, which dates back to the 13th Century.
A Canadian woman, Brittney Schneider, has also been charged with vandalism for allegedly adding her first initial to graffiti on the gate.
The offences carry a maximum 10 years jail term and/or a fine of up to £23,555.
"They admitted to the crime, saying they did it because of the thrill and they were also a little bit drunk," a police spokesman said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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