White temple in Chiang Rai damaged by earthquake

Very unique temple temple a few kilometers outside Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun, also known as white temple because it is entirely white, is the most visited place in the province. It was severely damaged by the earthquake that hit the country last night (see article).

Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun Chiang Rai was damaged by yesterday’s earthquake

Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, architect and owner of Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, said on Monday night that he did not know if the foundation structure of the temple was damaged or not, but he ordered all workers and staff to leave the temple and stay outside for security reasons. Tiles from the roof of the temple fell and wall paintings were damaged. He said that the temple was designed to withstand earthquakes. If this was not the case, it would probably collapsed yesterday. This is the strongest earthquake that the temple has lived since the beginning of its construction 20 years ago.

Wat Rong Khun Chiang Rai
Roofs of Wat Rong Khun after the earthquake

White Temple Chiang Rai
Paintings damaged by the earthquake – Facebook Photos

Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat can not yet evaluate the damage precisely but he does not exclude to destroy for safety reasons if necessary. The construction of the temple has so far cost about two billion baht. This would be a great loss if it had to be destroyed. The work of a whole life reduced to nothing. I bet that everything will be done to avoid this end.

Visits to the White Temple in Chiang Rai are suspended until further notice.

Mike Thailandee

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