Thai police are hunting down a Chinese man who was seen kicking bells at the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in the Thai city of Chiang Mai.

Aside from being a popular tourist destination, the Buddhist temple is sacred to many citizens. 

The video first showed a man ringing the bells with his hands. His face could not be seen as the video was being taken from behind. As the video was about to end, the man was seen kicking the bell pull.  

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The video that went viral on social media sites sparked outrage among locals in Thailand.

Local Chiang Mai police and immigration authorities are now reviewing the surveillance video that could help identify the man. Maj. Gen. Bundit Tungkhaseranee said the police are searching through checkpoint records and have asked the help of Chinese tour guides and agencies. 

Once the Chinese tourist is identified, he will be required to undertake a Thai culture and etiquette education course. The man may be blacklisted from entering the country, if he refuses to take the course.

Chuan Patwan, the temple administrator, still cannot say for sure if the tourist was Chinese. Chuan had repeatedly reminded tour guides to remind tourists of temple etiquette.

Chinese tourists swarmed into Thailand particularly during the 7-day national holiday to celebrate the Chinese New Year. 

Thailand's Tourism Authority Director Wisut Buachum said the behavior of the man seen in the video was uncalled for. 

Beijing had stepped up measures to deal with one of China's growing problem --- Chinese nationals behaving badly when abroad. The measures include documenting through photographs or video of Chinese people's bad behavior so they could report it to authorities. 

Chinese tourists were temporarily barred from entering the Wat Rong Khun, the Buddhist White Temple in Chiang Rai, after they were reported of ruining the toilets. 

Earlier this month, Thai authorities came up with an etiquette manual in preparation for a surge in visitors from China.

At least 90,000 Chinsese tourists have arrived  in Thailand for the holidays.

TagsChinese tourist, sacred bell, Thailand