Wat Rong Khun the 'White Temple' to be rebuilt back to its original beauty: Chalermchai

[JohnThailandJohn]

He has had a change of heart from yesterday. He said that he would never rebuild, that it was not to be. I guess that overnight he had a change of heart when he saw the chance to make many, many $$$$$$$$ out of this reconstruction.

I would guess that your guess shows more insight into you than that of the artist.

[JohnThailandJohn]

Why is it we have seen no pictures of the damage or what it was like before the quake. I have never been to this Temple and I don't know what all the fuss is about, who has photos of before and after?

There were in another thread. A few roof tiles fell off and some plaster cracked.

You don't really want to show these non-structural issues in a fund-raising stories...

The millionaire artist spent his own money to fund the construction of his vision without ever soliciting contributions from the government or anyone else.

[Nowisee]

I am the only one who does not like this "temple" at all?

I don not think it has anything to do with a temple, it's more a Disneyland style tourist style attraction.

Sad it is one of the few buildings that got damaged by the earthquake, wonder if they followed any building regulations.

I don't like it....does nothing for me or anyone I've gone there with and I don't see it being "wonderful" ... maybe it's just too white...hahaha

There are many better places to see and pay homage to.

Edited May 7, 2014 by Nowisee

[Strangebrew]

and a few falang who happened upon it as myself got to talk with artist a bit too nice guy with talent.

[Morakot]

Why is it we have seen no pictures of the damage or what it was like before the quake. I have never been to this Temple and I don't know what all the fuss is about, who has photos of before and after?

There were in another thread. A few roof tiles fell off and some plaster cracked.

You don't really want to show these non-structural issues in a fund-raising stories...

The millionaire artist spent his own money to fund the construction of his vision without ever soliciting contributions from the government or anyone else.

The millionaire artist is increasingly venerated as a Thai "Picasso" like figure to which people react in all sorts of ways, including writing news stories without substance about ad hock donations.

Edited May 8, 2014 by Morakot

[BigRick]

Good on you mate!

Where can I donate?

Can TV setup an account?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I'm almost sure he would not accept donations as he has never sought or accepted them from government or other sources (as the article states). I have been there many times and he does raise money from the sale of various items.

A truly great man and his work for me (also an artist) is purely captivating...just absolutely fantastic. An added bonus is that the Wat seems to be loved by so many people not only in Thailand but all around the world.

That is the part that just amazes me about this thread there are actually people hating on such a great place. I too have been there a couple of times and every time was wonderful. The vendors don't really seem to be part of the establishment more like a commercial venture located near a interesting spot. His shops are actually really good and have affordable items for every budget. I would have liked to seen what he was going to do with this compound in the next 50 years. The guy above saying it looked garish would call Van Gogh garish because of his use of bright colors. Seriously take your cynical attitude someplace else its disrespectful of a guy who has given so much back to his local community

[focus27]

I visited the temple about 5 years ago. Scanning some recent photos, it looks like a lot more has been added since then.

My memory is that the structure looks like a fairyland set and sparkles in the sunshine as one walks around. However, the internal mural (not completed at the time) was rather garish and gaudy, straining to be contemporary it looked like a pastiche.

As it is not a functioning temple, I look at it in the tradition of architectural follies. If I'm in the area, I'd visit it again, so the artist must at least be applauded for creating something distinctive and unique. Rare in Thailand.

[Local Drunk]

I've met the man and talked with him as my wife is related to him. He's really quite down to earth. You wouldn't expect a temple like this from him if you were sitting down and chatting with him across the dinner table.

The temple is his canvas, not his ego.

[Captain_Bob]

http://www.chiangmaicitynews.com/news.php?id=3811

"publicity stunt"???

[DrTuner]

http://www.chiangmaicitynews.com/news.php?id=3811

"publicity stunt"???

So what's the reality ? One painting hanging on the wall turned visibly ? Pictures..

[chotthee]

I am the only one who does not like this "temple" at all?

I don not think it has anything to do with a temple, it's more a Disneyland style tourist style attraction.

Sad it is one of the few buildings that got damaged by the earthquake, wonder if they followed any building regulations.

I don't like it....does nothing for me or anyone I've gone there with and I don't see it being "wonderful" ... maybe it's just too white...hahaha

There are many better places to see and pay homage to.

Me no like also.

Too commercial mined.

Krama I must say.

Edited May 8, 2014 by chotthee

[nglodnig]

That is good news. I blame my wife actually. She visited England for the first time back in the eighties and we went up to York Minster (burned down six months later) and then Hampton Court (same thing). Last October we took a trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to see the White Temple and six months later what happens?

If the owners of the Taj Mahal are on this site I could make an offer to keep her away from it. Meanwhile next year we plan to visit Anghor Wat in Cambodia. See it now - last chance before it crumbles into ruins.