Wat Rong Khun temporarily banned Chinese tourists on February 3 after inappropriate restroom use. The ban lasted half a day.

Wat Rong Khun, known to foreigners as the White Temple, is one of Chiang Rai’s top tourist destinations. But for some Chinese tourists, the temple was off limits due to complaints of Chinese tourists using the restrooms inappropriately, the White Temple imposed a temporary ban.

Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, artist and creator of the temple, had reportedly ordered his staff to refuse entry to any Chinese visitors last Tuesday morning (February 3). The temporary ban came after a female Chinese visitor had dropped a piece of used toilet paper into the Golden Toilet’s flush tank and left the restroom.

According to the temple’s management, Chinese tourists frequently use the restrooms in an inappropriate way. This behavior prompted the ban.

Reportedly, the temple staff had asked the woman to remove the used toilet paper and to clean the toilet. But the woman refused to comply.

The temple’s public restrooms are housed in a separate golden temple-like building. The building is a popular photo spot for tourists.

Mr. Chalermchai lifted the ban after only half a day. He felt sympathy for the Chinese tourists who arrived at the temple only to be disappointed by the ban. The temple reopened its doors to Chinese visitors, but only under the condition that tour guides would be responsible for cleaning the toilets if any members of their group should behave inappropriately.

Mr. Chalermchai has been working on Wat Rong Khun since 1996. The original temple had fallen into disrepair by the end of the 20^th century. Funds were unavailable to repair the building, so Mr. Chalermchai decided to completely rebuild it and to fund the project with his own money. The ornate white Buddhist temple is located in the Muang district and open daily from 8AM to 5PM. Tourists are welcome to visit the temple free of charge.

-- 2015-02-10

a little square of white paper, embossed with something brown 'made in china', does more damage than earthquake

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