CONTROVERSY
Controversy over tower at Doi Suthep
Patinya Srisupamart
The Nation

CHIANG MAI: Officials at Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, one of landmark in Chiang Mai province, yesterday defended their decision to build a soaring observation tower capped by a golden dome.

The temple has the right to build the tower on its compound," Wanlop Namwongprom, a member of the temple's governing board, said yesterday.

Construction is now more than 70 per cent complete, revealing to the public a structure that will be very prominent and a rival to the temple's ancient golden pagoda.

But many people in the city are upset and pressing for adjustments to the project.

"The ancient pagoda of the temple, Phra That Doi Suthep, is the heart of Lanna culture. People here in Chiang Mai and across Thailand have great faith in and respect for this sacred structure," Chatchawal Deethonglert, chairman of the Lanna Inheritance Foundation said.

"We don't think it's appropriate for any other building to go up and overshadow the pagoda."

The foundation plans to invite representatives from the temple to a meeting tomorrow.

"We should talk to explore a solution acceptable to all sides," he said.

Wanlop said that in response to complaints from the community, the temple had reduced the height of the tower.

"It has gone down by eight metres already," he said.

The tower was part of the temple's efforts to properly maintain and improve its facilities.

"The temple is a religious site and also an attraction," he said.

Visitors to the temple are expected to surge after the Asean Economic Community kicks off next year. The temple has also welcomed leaders and royals from various countries.

"That's why we have come up with the observation tower project. Visitors at the tower will be able to enjoy a view of Chiang Mai city. With telescopes, they will be able to see important and ancient structures in Chiang Mai too," he said.

-- The Nation 2014-06-02

Observation deck, why bother as you still won't be able to see anything through the smog and smoke.

Now coming to a Wat near you the Dharmacakra Ferris wheel!

Observation deck, why bother as you still won't be able to see anything through the smog and smoke.

there's plenty of visibility after a good rain shower

Difficult choice: a temple allowing visitors or an amusement park allowing monks?

Funny you should mention an amusement park. Some of the top monks from this temple were photographed recently on roller coaster type ride at Disney land in los Angeles. It might have been a fact finding trip.

Funny you should mention an amusement park. Some of the top monks from this temple were photographed recently on roller coaster type ride at Disney land in los Angeles. It might have been a fact finding trip.

You may be onto something there

"The temple is a religious site and also an attraction," he said.

should offer bungee jumping from that tower

It's about money NOT religion?

"The temple is a religious site and also an attraction," he said.

should offer bungee jumping from that tower

No bungee cord, for those who want to take a real leap of faith.

It's about money NOT religion?

Absolutely! That temple is a goldmine, everywhere you go the hands are out the bowls are out, the children are begging, the monks for a donation will see you etc! last time there I signed a large scroll for some improvements to the wat and handed over some money ,,to get another tower,impressive temple and all but over the top in the cry for donations and on a sunday you cant move!

To quote Mr. Wanlop from an article in the Pattaya Daily News (foreigner kissing the Buddha - actually in Laos) (there is another article where he voices criticism about a Buddha statue in a restaurant) :

"Mr.Wanlop Namwong-the president of religion promoting in Chiang-Mai- said that it’s not the first time were foreigners have acted like this. Some foreigners do many disrespectful actions on religious sites and statues because they just don’t understand the importance of these objects and places.

These disrespectful actions have happened because the foreigners are not told or educated about the importance of them and they miss understand how to act.

However, there are sign posts that inform tourists on what to wear when entering a temple and how to act in the correct way to show respect. Plus guides should explain and warn the foreigners about the prohibitions in sacred places such as a temple."

Seems like Mr. Wanlop normally dishes out the criticism but this time seems to be on the receiving end. Maybe time for him to contemplate what is appropriate and what not.

The view from there is not good enough already? What the h*ll do they need a tower for??

@bino, my thought exactly ! Surely there must be a better use for that money eg; orphans, the handicapped, the sick and incapacitated, etc...........

Why build it on the temple site, it's crowded enough already? They could build it higher up, there's already the Royal Palace and Gardens up there. Could make it a part of a tour.

why would i want to go to doi suthep to be able to see important and ancient structures in chiang mai by means of telescopes when i can go and see these important and ancient structures in more details close up.....

It just seems to be in Thai culture to build more and bigger attractions.. However, I must note here, that most of a temples attractions, towers, etc., are usually from patrons pockets.. Trying to buy their way into heaven, so to speak.

Observation deck, why bother as you still won't be able to see anything through the smog and smoke.

For the greater % of the year, that is correct.

I have no respect for the abbot at this temple

dig a little deeper and...

@bino, my thought exactly ! Surely there must be a better use for that money eg; orphans, the handicapped, the sick and incapacitated, etc...........

Trips to Disneyland for the monks

Someone should really get their finger out, and check thoroughly that this has no facility to take a cable car, coming from the Night Safari

It's about money NOT religion?

Absolutely! That temple is a goldmine, everywhere you go the hands are out the bowls are out, the children are begging, the monks for a donation will see you etc! last time there I signed a large scroll for some improvements to the wat and handed over some money ,,to get another tower,impressive temple and all but over the top in the cry for donations and on a sunday you cant move!

I go there 2 or 3 times a week, nobody has ever asked me for money, don't even pay the entrance fee (not a tourist)