Taiwan president remains calm when ill temple chairman suddenly vomits on him during event

Taiwan president William Lai was visiting temples to pray for blessings during Chinese New Year when he got splashed with vomit unintentionally.

On Feb. 18, Lai was accompanied by Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che and other politicians as they addressed temple goers at the Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, reported Ettoday.

Vomit splashed on president

Lai stood beside temple chairman Lin Pei-huo, while Tainan mayoral candidate Chen Ting-fei delivered a speech.

At one point, Lin began to look visibly uncomfortable, blinking rapidly and clenching his fists.

He then turned his head, covered his mouth, but failed to contain the vomit from his mouth.

In the video, Lin could be seen appearing increasingly unwell before vomiting into his hand.

He then stepped back and leaned against a table.

Footage of the event showed Lai narrowly avoiding the worst of it, though some vomit splashed onto his shoulder.

President checked on temple chairman

Despite the commotion, Lai, who was formerly a doctor, reportedly checked on Lin afterwards.

Sick with norovirus

Lai reportedly addressed the crowd, explaining that some of Lin’s family members had recently contracted norovirus, and that the chairman might have been affected as well.

He added that Lin’s condition had stabilised.

Lin subsequently apologised for the disruption, saying his daughter-in-law and son had norovirus and that he appeared to have fallen ill too.

"I'm really sorry I couldn't help it," he said.

However, he said he likely would not see a doctor and would let it heal naturally.

Top photo via Taiwan media