Chiang Rai’s White Temple a total loss, artist declares

Chalermchai Kositpipat, one of Thailand’s most famous artists, is already in mourning.

After 18 years spent on the eccentric yet stunning Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Chalermchai said today the structure is beyond repair following last night’s earthquake and should be left in ruin.

Murals he has spent two decades creating were destroyed when a wall and ceiling collapsed after the 6.0-magnitude temblor and its aftershocks.

“It was the masterpiece of the art work that was created and could not be created again, as I had devoted almost 20 years to creating it,” he told Thai PBS.

Chalermchai, 59, said he was too old to spend another 20 years recreating his work, and the temple should now become a monument for what it was.

“Everything is finished, and I may leave the temple, a world’s masterpiece, to remain as it is now for the latter generation to remember.”

He added that he’s always worked independently of any help and was not interested in assistance from the government or any organization.

Photo: Thai PBS

 

 



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