Chiang Mai: Wat Pha Lat temple warns of closure due to tourists wearing revealing clothing and practicing yoga.
The sacred Wat Pha Lat temple in Thailand requests that visitors immediately refrain from disrespectful behavior such as wearing revealing clothing, performing acrobatic yoga poses, and climbing on the ancient structure.
Wat Pha Lat, a temple nestled on a mountainside near Chiang Mai, Thailand, has issued an urgent notice requesting visitors to cease "inappropriate" behavior. The management emphasized that this is a tranquil space for monks to practice meditation and contemplation, not an entertainment venue or gym.
Wat Pha Lat Temple: "This is not a gym"
On January 15th, the temple posted a message in Thai and English on social media to address the issue of tourists violating the code of conduct. The announcement stated: "Wat Pha Lat is a Buddhist temple and a sacred place, not an amusement park or a gym."
This action was taken after numerous reports of tourists performing acrobatic yoga poses, climbing on ancient structures, and wearing immodest clothing within the temple grounds. The temple warned that it would be forced to close completely to tourists if this disrespectful behavior continued.
Mandatory rules when visiting temples in Thailand
In Thailand, visiting religious sites requires strict adherence to dress code and etiquette. Visitors should be aware of the following rules to avoid legal trouble or negative reactions from the local community:
- Regarding clothing:Absolutely no clothing that exposes shoulders or legs. Some places are even stricter and prohibit tight-fitting clothing.
- Regarding behavior:Keep quiet, put your phone on silent mode, and avoid making loud noises that might disturb the meditation space.
- Body language:Avoid pointing your feet towards Buddha statues or monks, as this is considered a serious act of disrespect.
In fact, acts of disrespect towards sacred places in this country can be punished by law. In 2017, two American tourists were fined $150 each and detained for posting provocative photos in front of a famous temple in Bangkok. Earlier this month, another group of Western tourists also caused outrage when they sunbathed in bikinis outside a temple in Chiang Mai.
Tips for exploring Chiang Mai
Besides adhering to regulations, visitors should choose to visit early in the morning to fully appreciate the tranquility of Wat Pha Lat. This is an ideal stop on the walking trail to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. Always bring a scarf or light jacket to use when entering the inner sanctuary, ensuring the utmost respect for the local culture.