Viral video shows priest falling ill, vomiting on Taiwan President Lai at temple event | WATCH

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was forced to briefly halt a temple visit in Tainan on Thursday after a senior priest suddenly became unwell and vomited during a public ceremony, with some of it landing on the president.

The incident took place on the second day of Lunar New Year celebrations at the Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, where Lai was participating in customary festivities.

Lin Pei-huo, the temple’s chairman, appeared to be in discomfort moments before the incident. Footage widely shared on social media shows Lin standing next to Lai as Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chen Ting-fei addressed the gathering. In the video, Lin’s face appears pale and he looks visibly distressed.

As he began to feel worse, Lin raised his hand to cover his mouth. Despite the attempt, he was unable to contain himself and vomited, splashing those nearby, including Lai, who was beside him at the time.

Lin promptly stepped away from the stage and moved towards the rear of the venue. Staff members and aides quickly intervened to assist him. Lai, who previously worked as a physician, stepped forward to check on Lin’s condition in the immediate aftermath.

Once the situation had stabilised, Lai addressed the crowd and explained that several members of Lin’s family had recently contracted norovirus, a stomach infection known to cause sudden vomiting, according to local media reports. He indicated that Lin may also have been infected, which could explain the abrupt onset of symptoms. The president reassured attendees that Lin’s condition was stable.

Lin later issued an apology for the disruption. He acknowledged that his relatives had recently been affected by norovirus and said it was possible that he had caught the same infection. “I’m really sorry I couldn’t help it,” he said.

The incident occurred during a traditional ceremony in which Lai was distributing “lucky bags” to members of the public. The bags typically contain snacks and small gifts, in keeping with Lunar New Year customs intended to bring good fortune.