BANGKOK, THAILAND — Two US citizens are being held in Thailand after they posted an online picture of themselves posing with their buttocks exposed at a temple.

The tourists had taken the picture at Bangkok’s famous Wat Arun temple and posted it on Twitter and Instagram.

Immigration authorities told the BBC the pair, Joseph and Travis Dasilva, both 38, would be fined and deported.

Thailand has very strict laws on behaviour considered disrespectful and offensive to its Buddhist religion.

The two tourists were held late on Tuesday when trying to leave the country at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport.

Deputy spokesman of the Thai immigration police, Col Choengron Rimpadee, told the BBC the two had been on a watch-list after authorities had spotted the controversial social media post.

“Once they are through with the charges, the Thai immigration police will revoke their visas and push for deportation,” he said. “They will also be blacklisted from coming back to Thailand.”

He explained the two were brought to Bangkok Yai police station to be charged with public nakedness, an offence liable for a fine of up to 5,000 baht ($153; £115).

However, other Thai government and police officials have told media that the charges could be more serious.