Miss Universe organizers found themselves the target of religious outrage when photos of bikini-clad contestants with the famed Wat Arun, or “Temple of Dawn,” in the background in the background infuriated religious leaders.

According to Phra Thep Dilok, head of the National Center for Buddhism Promotion, “This is the time of Visakha Bucha when we are reminded of Lord Buddha’s teachings. But we have allowed this thing which will mark the country with sin for a long time.”

The chair of the Senate tourism committee, Suradech Yasawat, said the photos, which were splashed on the front pages of most Thai newspapers, had hurt the country’s image.

“It is completely inappropriate. When a contest is being held in Thailand, Thai traditions and culture should be respected,” he told the Thai News Agency.
About 90 percent of Thailand’s 63 million people are Buddhist and any slight against the religion can trigger a public outcry.

If the Thais are so sensitive about their Buddhist traditions and the image of the country, why were the photos “splashed on the front pages of most Thai newspapers?”

And if public officials really want to do something to protect the morals of Thailand, you would think they might have better places to start than with a handful bikini-clad babes on a photo shoot.