An Indian travel YouTuber has sparked online criticism after asking to spend the night at a Buddhist temple in Thailand, saying he had no money for accommodation. The incident took place in Udon Thani province, where local police and temple representatives asked him to leave and suggested a nearby budget hotel instead.
Who Is the YouTuber?
The traveller, identified as Banshi, runs a YouTube channel called Anything Banshi, which has around 17,300 subscribers. He documents journeys built around extremely low cost travel, relying on strangers for food, assistance and places to stay.
He said he had been travelling across Thailand without money and wanted to continue his journey while keeping expenses to a minimum.
Why Did Temple Authorities Ask Him to Leave?
According to reports, Banshi approached a Buddhist temple in Udon Thani seeking overnight shelter. However, temple representatives and police told him that the premises could not be used by outsiders for overnight stays.
Banshi reportedly said a monk had initially allowed him to remain there. The discussion continued for more than 20 minutes, but the authorities did not change their decision.
Police Offered a Budget Hotel
During the encounter, police and temple representatives suggested a nearby hotel reportedly charging around 400 Thai baht per night. They also offered to help him reach the accommodation.
Banshi declined the offer because he wanted to avoid spending money. He later moved his belongings to a petrol station, where he intended to spend the night.
Social Media Users Question His Travel Plan
After Banshi shared a video of the encounter, viewers questioned his decision to travel without sufficient funds for basic accommodation. Some stressed that visitors should respect local customs and seek permission before attempting to stay overnight at religious sites.
Others praised the Thai police for handling the situation politely and offering an affordable alternative. The discussion also raised questions about the risks of relying entirely on strangers for food and shelter while travelling abroad.
A Debate About Responsible Budget Travel
Travelling on a tight budget can involve creative choices, but free accommodation cannot be assumed, particularly at places of worship. Local rules, safety considerations and the permission of property owners remain important.
The incident has become a reminder that travellers should plan for essential expenses and have alternative accommodation arrangements before visiting unfamiliar destinations.
Why the Incident Is Trending
The story has attracted attention because of the unusual circumstances: a traveller seeking free shelter at a temple, refusing a low cost hotel option and then sharing the encounter online.
While viewers continue to debate Banshi’s approach, the reported incident highlights the balance between budget travel, personal responsibility and respect for local communities.