How will Wat Rong Khun survive Thailand earthquake 2014? I wrote a feature in this post, when the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake the week before had not been reported. Now we know, the determination of the creator alone will ensure the temple will survive.
Wat Rong Khun’s Creator
The temple’s creator, famous artist, Ajarn Chalermchai and his team, were devastated by the amount of damage caused. It resulted from an earthquake measuring 6.3 in magnitude, which hit Chiang Rai province in Northern Thailand.
Ajarn Chalermchai is a remarkable man of skill, vision and tenacity. And he is deserving of a dedicated post to his life and much more. In the meantime, I have written this post in support of his unwavering determination. I am sure he will do everything in his power to restore Wat Rong Khun back to its original state and then continue the amazing construction.
Damage estimate – 150 million baht
One of the Thailand natural disasters – estimates say the damage to Wat Rong Khun caused by aftershocks could cost more than 150 million Baht to repair. Ajarn Cherlemchai is a proud man who will not accept government funding.
He does not want to attract outside influence or control, and he does not charge visitors an entrance fee. So, the rebuilding costs will have to be found through private donations as they have been so far since 1997.
The shock to the community and all Chiang Rai temples, was immense and at first the creator announced the Temple was damaged beyond his restoration capabilities.
But those who knew the man were not surprised when he joked later. Saying he wanted to test how much the world valued his creation. If that is true he got the response he desired and has been re-motivated to tackle the onerous task of rebuilding his dream.
I have absolutely no doubt that he will. So the answer to the question – will Wat Rong Khun survive the earthquake – seems to have been answered.
“I was shocked by the thunderous morale support they gave to me and encourage me not to give up to bring this world’s treasure back to all people in this world,” Ajarn Cherlemchai.
Yes it is amazing and what is more the work will continue and I believe the support will be even greater now as more people around the world learn about it.
What a beautiful place. It’s a big shame what happened