temple
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai statue restoration sparks debate over authenticity
The Chiang Mai governor coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to restore a 400 year old giant statue at a prominent historical temple, sparking criticism from an academic who argues that the restoration was inappropriate. The controversy began when an assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, Surachai Jongjitngam criticised the restoration of a large…
- Thailand News
Elderly man arrested for branded shoe theft at Bangkok temple
A 69 year old man has been arrested for stealing expensive branded shoes from outside a renowned temple in Bangkok. The suspect confessed to selling the stolen shoes at a low price in the second-hand market. On June 4, the Superintendent of Samran Rat Police Station, Police Colonel Thotsaphon Ampaipipatkul alongside the investigation team ordered the arrest of the 69…
- Thailand News
Decomposing body found in Samut Songkhram temple restroom
The decomposing body of a missing man was discovered in a temple restroom in Samut Songkhram after a foul smell caught the attention of passersby. The body was linked to a man who had been missing for about a week. The Deputy Inspector of Bang Khonthi Police Station, Rueangwut Im-em, reported the unsettling discovery. He received the call and went…
- Thailand News
Woman’s skeleton found under temple crematorium in Bangkok
The discovery of a woman’s skeletal remains under a crematorium at a well-known temple in Bang Rak has shocked the community. The police have launched an investigation into the case, which dates back to an incident approximately 40 years ago. Police Lieutenant Krirkwut Ariyametha, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Bang Rak Police Station, received a report today, May 29, about the…
- Thailand News
Ex-legislator summoned over violent temple invasion in Phichit
A high-profile individual has been summoned by the police for allegedly hiring assailants who stormed a temple in the Phichit province, Thailand. The incident left several people, including monks and temple workers, injured. The summons followed the end of the individual’s parliamentary term, which previously granted immunity from prosecution. Despite being given two chances to appear, the absence of the…
- Thailand News
Nakhon Ratchasima temple event features 200,000 baht giveaway
A local temple in Nakhon Ratchasima province was the scene of high excitement as a contractor organised a lively merit-making event, giving away prizes including cash, fans, and refrigerators worth over 200,000 baht. The ceremony, which took place yesterday, May 12, in front of the Ton Temple’s main hall, drew thousands from the surrounding community, all eager to participate and…
- Thailand News
Peed off: Outrage erupts as foreign child pees outside Thai temple
The Thai tourism and sports minister and netizens nationwide condemned a foreign couple for allowing their daughter to urinate in public at Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in Bangkok. However, many Thais felt that the foreigners’ actions were not so serious. A Thai man shared a picture of the incident on his Facebook…
- Thailand News
Hot under the collar: Lampang’s stray dogs face sizzling struggle
As temperatures in Lampang soared beyond 40 degrees Celsius, the plight of over 400 stray dogs at Wat Weluwanaram has become a serious concern. The intense heatwave, persisting for nearly a month has prompted the temple’s abbot to take immediate action to alleviate the dogs’ suffering. Vichai Akkadecho, the abbot of Wat Weluwanaram, located at 389 Moo 8, Lampang-Denchai Road,…
- Thailand News
Car fire at Bangkok temple parking spurs emergency response
A sudden car fire erupted in the parking lot of a well-known temple in the Bang Chak area of Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. The incident was reported today, April 15, and officials are currently investigating the cause. Panic spread rapidly as a car caught fire in the parking lot of the famed Wat Thammongkol Thaobunnonthawihan in…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Storm disrupts Nonthaburi temple fair, injuring three
A sudden storm wreaked havoc at a well-known temple fair in Nonthaburi, Thailand, toppling the stage backdrop during a music performance and injuring three musicians. The incident occurred at Wat Paramaiyikawat Worawihan on Ko Kret island yesterday at 7pm during the annual Mon Songkran festival, which started on April 12 and is set to continue until April 17. Attendees were…
- Thailand Travel
How to spend your Songkran at Hua Hin 2024
Are you looking for your ideal getaway for the upcoming Songkran Holidays? Do you fancy an escape to the beach? Hua Hin is a fantastic destination to visit in Thailand to celebrate Songkran. It is the nearest beach to Bangkok, only 3-4 hours drive away. So, save yourself some valuable time and travel expenses. Hua Hin is also a popular…
- Thailand News
Lottery winner donates 2.4 million baht to Nonthaburi temple
A recent lottery winner has donated nearly half of their 6 million baht (US$ 167,033) prize, a sum of 2.4 million baht (US$ 66,807), to Wat Ton in Nonthaburi Province after praying for luck and winning the first prize. The donation follows a promise made to the revered Luang Phor Samret statue at the temple, which is believed to have…
- Thailand News
Nakhon Pathom temple hosts grand gilding with world’s tallest nimitta
At Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom, a grand gilding ceremony is set to be held, featuring the world’s tallest nimitta sphere, exceeding 20 metres in height. The ceremony will take place from tomorrow, February 8 to March 3, 2024, and is expected to draw a large number of worshippers and tourists eager to partake in the event and witness…
- Thailand News
Udon Thani temple’s rice husk pagoda destroyed by fire
A revered temporary rice husk pagoda at Wat Nakathewi in Udon Thani province was engulfed in flames last night, leaving behind a charred metal framework. At 9pm yesterday, February 5, local disaster prevention and mitigation officials were alerted to the fire, which rapidly consumed the structure despite the efforts of firefighters, temple committee members, and residents. Notably, the temple’s cherished…
- Thailand News
Songkhla community faces steep rent hike from temple land
Residents of the community surrounding Wat Khuan Mit in Songkhla raised concerns as the temple, which owns the land they reside on, dramatically increased the rent by twelvefold. The escalation in rental fees has led to severe hardship for the locals, many of whom have lived there since their ancestors’ time. Negotiations with the temple’s caretakers have not yielded any…
- Thailand News
Narendra Modi to inaugurate Ram Temple in Ayodhya amid looming elections
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a place of birth believed by Hindus to be associated with Lord Rama. The construction of this temple represents a key fulfilment of a promise by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Hindu population, taking place just months before India’s upcoming elections, where Modi aims…
- Thailand News
Discover Phayao’s revered 500 year old Thong Samrit Buddha image
A revered ancient Buddha image, known as Phra Chao Thong Samrit or the Phra Singh Sam, aged over 500 years and the only one of its kind in the Lanna region, is believed to grant successful exams and work good fortune. Located in Wat Sri Bun Chum, Sri Thoi sub-district, Mae Chai district, Phayao province, the statue is crafted from…
- Thailand News
Man warns not to touch glass globe under direct sunlight at temple in Phetchabun (video)
A TikTok user posted a video warning others not to touch a glass globe at Wat Pha Son Kaew, Phetchabun province. The user, @supalack_laijaroen,posted: “Unexpected event at Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. Don’t accidentally touch the crystal ball like me, haha. (No drama, anyone who wants to try it out is welcome).” The young man in the video showed his burnt…
- Northern Thailand News
Pheu Thai MPs urge talks on reopening Preah Vihear temple to tourists
Seven MPs from Pheu Thai party in Si Sa Ket, a northeastern province of Thailand, have urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to initiate dialogue with the neighbouring Cambodian government. The discussion will focus on enabling travel to the Preah Vihear Temple, situated on the Thailand-Cambodia border. The request was made to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang during his visit to Pha…
- Thailand News
Motorbike accident near central Thailand temple sparks police investigation
A motorbike accident involving two fatalities occurred at around 2.30am today on the Bang Khan-Nong Suea road in Pathum Thani. The deputy chief of the Khlong Luang Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Siroj Naenian, revealed that a pickup truck had collided with a motorbike, resulting in the death of the two male motorbike riders. The motorbike accident occurred near the…
- Things To Do
Most beautiful temples to visit in and around Bangkok
If you love temples and are planning a trip to Bangkok, you’re in for a treat! Thailand is a land of many temples, each more beautiful than the next. And the capital is blessed with so many glittering temples with stunning architecture and innate details. If you’re looking to add a little spirituality to your travel itinerary, here are the…
- Thailand News
Craftsman drowns in ancient water temple pond in Nakhon Phanom
An unexpected incident unfolded yesterday, when a 34 year old craftsman working on an ancient water temple’s construction, drowned in the temple’s pond. The pond was located in Nakhon Phanom’s Renunakorn district, where the man had been working on a massive temple project set in the middle of the water. Upon receiving the news, Surachai Phiro, the deputy inspector of…
- South Thailand News
Yala temple’s amusing rules for resident spirits capture netizens’ attention
An intriguing set of rules has emerged from a renowned temple in Yala, aimed at the spirits residing within the temple’s vicinity. The rules, designed to foster harmony among the monks, villagers, and spirits, have gone viral, sparking amusement among netizens. This unusual story began gaining traction when a vinyl signboard with the rules was posted within the famous Yala…
- Phuket News
Blaze at Buddhist temple: Fire ravages building in Phuket’s Wat Latthiwanaram temple
In a distressing incident that unfolded yesterday, a fire erupted at a small building located within the premises of Wat Latthiwanaram in Chalong, Phuket, resulting in significant damage to the structure. This particular building, an integral part of a temple situated on Chao Fa East Road, primarily serves as a venue for the organization and conduction of funeral proceedings. The…
- Thailand News
Buzz around relic-embedded Buddha statue in Ban Khai District
A renowned temple in the Ban Khai District of Rayong recently created a buzz with the construction of a colourful rendition of the Buddha statue, featuring vibrant green, yellow, and red hues. This edition, known as the Wat Taek version of the Buddha, also comprises relics of famous eastern monks, making it a hot topic among Buddhist statue enthusiasts. The construction…
- Central Thailand News
Woman performs 4am temple dance after mother’s lottery-winning dream
A young woman dressed in traditional Thai attire ventured into Sangkharam Temple, Chainat Province, at 4am to perform a lone ritualistic dance. TikTok user @sasita_leeya documented the unusual action, which she undertook following a dream of her mother’s about winning the lottery. The woman, attired in a Thai traditional dress, arrived at the temple for her solo performance. She was…
- Pattaya News
Australian tourist disrupts Pattaya temple, allegedly high on cannabis
The peace of a local Buddhist temple in South Pattaya was abruptly shattered yesterday morning as a seemingly stoned Australian tourist started to wreck the sanctuary. Jason Bradley Scott snuck into the temple at dawn, allegedly high on cannabis, and did damage before injuring himself while trying to flee. Wat Chai, also known as Wat Chai Mongkol Royal Monastery, situated in…
- Thailand News
Phra Aram Luang Monastery sees surge in visitors seeking fortune from revered Luang Pho Pak Daeng
An increased number of visitors are travelling to Phra Aram Luang Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Luang Pho Pak Daeng in Nakhon Nayok province, to pay respects and seek good fortune from the revered image of Luang Pho Pak Daeng. The sacred image, positioned in the temple’s Ubosot, is a significant religious figure in the locale. The image of…
- Northern Thailand News
Divine inferno: Temple fire causes 10 million baht damage, monk injured
Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning as a fire ripped through Khlong Wat Rai temple, a religious edifice located in Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok province. The vicious blaze, which sparked at around 3am, reduced the primary sermon building and ten adjacent accommodations reserved for monks to cinders. The abbot of the temple, Pairote Sunthornkit monk, reported the…
- Crime News
Bang Klaan temple abbot identifies 17 suspects behind violent intrusion
The abbot of Bang Klaan temple reported 17 more suspects involved in the recent violent intrusion at his temple in Phichit province. The offenders are comprised of 14 locals and three non-affiliated monks. The police have used CCTV footage to identify the culprits who caused several injuries to the temple’s staff and lay supporters. The abbot, Pissut Warakan, granted authority…