Chinese tourists have found themselves in more hot water in Thailand – where they have a strained relationship with locals – after a group was photographed washing their feet in public sinks . The photos are circulating on Thai and Chinese social media networks , leading to outrage in Thailand as locals insist the holidaymakers have committed a cultural faux pas . The images of tourists cleaning their feet and sandals inside a bathroom on the island of Phi Phi were snapped just weeks after Thailand ’ s government released an etiquette guide for Chinese holidaymakers following a series of incidents . Locals said the visitors committed a cultural sin by cleaning their feet and sandals in hand basins . In response to the outrage , authorities on the holiday island are keen to inform Chinese tourists that they are committing a cultural sin by washing their feet in hand basins , Phuketwan reported . The news website said locals avoid cleaning their feet in places where they wash the rest of their bodies , except in the shower . An island official told NetEase , a Chinese media agency , that the holidaymakers ’ actions were ‘ inappropriate ’ and that notices will be posted in public bathrooms to discourage the behaviour . Thailand is a popular destination for millions of Chinese tourists every year , but locals have expressed frustration and outrage in response to the actions of a handful of visitors . Last month , Thailand ’ s tourist board announced that it would be handing out etiquette manuals to Chinese tourists who were visiting during the Chinese New Year . The relationship between Thais and Chinese tourists has been strained by a series of high-profile incidents . The manuals outlined how the holidaymakers are expected to behave while they visit Thailand . They were created after the Thai government received complaints from locals , who accused Chinese visitors of defecating in public , causing traffic accidents with reckless driving , and defacing tourist attractions . Chinese tourists were temporarily banned from even entering Wat Rong Khun , the Buddhist White Temple in Chiang Rai , after complaints that they had ruined the toilets .
Holidaymakers were photographed in bathroom on island of Phuketwan . Upset locals said the tourists committed a cultural faux pas . It occurred weeks after Thailand 's government released an etiquette guide . A number of incidents has strained relations between locals and visitors .