Watch: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te splashed by vomit after sudden illness interrupts Lunar New Year event

A startling unusual moment at a public event in Taiwan has captured global attention after an elderly attendee unexpectedly vomited during a speech, with the spray landing on the country’s president. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, occurred during a public appearance involving Taiwan’s leadership and local religious representatives.

The viral moment reportedly happened while Lai Ching‑te was attending a public event in the southern city of Tainan.

In the startling footage, Lin Pei-huo, head of the Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, is seen standing with local officials during a Lunar New Year celebration. Taiwan’s president stands beside him in a red hoodie, unaware of what is about to happen.



Lin begins blinking rapidly and clenching his fists, appearing increasingly uncomfortable before turning his head. Moments later, he quickly raises his hand to his mouth and vomits.

Witness accounts indicate the individual had a family member recently infected with norovirus, raising immediate concerns about possible exposure to the highly contagious illness. Medical experts emphasize that norovirus spreads easily and recommend immediate cleaning and disinfection after any exposure due to its short incubation period and high transmissibility.

Lai reportedly assisted in coordinating first-aid at the scene after the incident. The scheduled event was briefly paused as organisers helped the elderly man recover.

The Taiwanese leader later addressed the audience, explaining that some of Lin’s family members had recently contracted norovirus and that he may have been affected as well. He added that Lin’s condition had stabilised.

Lin himself later issued an apology for the disruption, saying his relatives had recently been infected and that he had also fallen ill.

Following the incident, officials reportedly moved quickly to address potential health risks.

Norovirus, often associated with outbreaks in crowded environments, can spread through airborne droplets from vomit, contaminated surfaces, and close contact.

Public health guidance stresses prompt sanitation and monitoring for symptoms even when exposure appears brief.

The unexpected episode quickly spread online, becoming a widely shared and debated moment internationally. While unusual, similar incidents involving world leaders have occasionally become part of political folklore, often sparking discussion about the unpredictability of public appearances and the intense scrutiny leaders face.