Chiang Rai News
Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat Rings in a New Bell at Wat Rong Khun
Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat dressed in all white was the first to strike the new bell.
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CHIANG RAI – Wat Rong Khun, perhaps better known to foreigners as the White Temple in Phan, Chiang Rai opened a new belfry on October 9th.
The opening ceremony for the belfry was attended by over 2,000 people in white attire.
The beautiful dark copper bell was uniquely designed by Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who constructed the temple has spent THB40 million of his own money on the project
Mr. Chalermchai offered the bell to the Abbot of Rong Khun temple who gave blessings and sprinkled holy water onto the attendees. Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, was the first to strike the bell.
Wat Rong Khun temple is one of the most recognizable in Thailand and attracts a large number of visitors, both Thai and foreign, daily making it one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions.
On October 1st, the temple started charging foreign tourists a 50 baht per person entrance fee, while still allowing Thai Nationals to enter for free.
By Supawadee Wangsri
Belfy: A belfry encloses the bell chamber, the room in which the bells are housed; its walls are pierced by openings which allow the sound to escape
