The entry charges will be levied on those who want to enter the main prayer hall and Mr Kositpipat’s art gallery. The fee for each of these has been set at THB50. The owner says people who buy the tickets will get a complimentary souvenir medallion and a mini-guide book in English or Chinese.
He noted that the fees would only apply to the specific locations, but the temple grounds would still be free. Mr Kositpipat said there were no plans to charge Thai visitors to enter at present although he did say they could make donations in order to get the free gifts.
The White Temple is an ornate complex of buildings which are almost surreal. The project is the life’s work of the owner and award-winning artist. The temple opened to the public in 1997 and until now admission has been free.
Explaining the decision to start charging entry fees in a video clip posted online, Mr Kositpipat said he did not want to do it but monthly operating and maintenance costs were now as high as THB6 million. The White Temple is a little south of Chiang Rai and 12GO ASIA sells tickets for travel to the northern Thai city at prices that will not break the bank.
Iconic Chiang Rai temple to levy entry fee for foreigners
News in Asia
Foreign tourists will have to start paying admission fees to visit Chiang Rai’s famous White Temple later this year. Citing soaring operations costs, owner Chalermchai Kositpipat said that from October international visitors will have to pay fees to enter two parts of the complex.