US couple arrested for taking naked selfies in Thailand have been released from jail

BANGKOK: Two American men who were arrested in Thailand for posting naked photos to Instagram have reportedly been released from jail and are heading home to San Diego.

Joseph Dasilva, 38, and Travis Dasilva, 36, were arrested at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport last month after images posted to their ‘Travelling Butts’ Instagram account showed them dropping their trousers at various religious sites around Thailand.

The photos, one of which showed the men with their trousers down at Wat Arun temple, went viral and quickly caught the attention of the Thai authorities who arrested the married couple as they tried to depart Thailand on November 28.

It had been reported the couple faced up to seven years in jail for breaching Thailand’s strict Computer Crimes Act.

However, on Friday the San Diego Gay and Lesbian News reported that a Thai court dismissed the charges against the men, who had been held in jail since their arrest. The men were instead handed over to Immigration Police who are processing their deportation. 

“They wanted me to thank everyone for their thoughts prayers and concerns,” said Robert Rodriguez, a friend of the couple.  

“They send all their love to their friends that have supported them,” he added. With their return to the United States imminent, the pair wasted no time in resurrecting their Travelling Butts Instagram account, which saw the following picture posted on Friday: The account also still includes all the photos that landed the men in trouble in the first place.  

Last week, it was reported that the men had paid a fine of Bt5,000 each following their arrest.  

Commenting at the time of their arrest, Thai government officials said: “This is a reminder that everyone should have respect for Thai religion and culture.”