Two tier pricing: Thai temple slammed for ripping off tourists

Thai netizens have laid into a temple in Chiang Mai who are charging a 50 baht admission fee just for foreign tourists.

A poster on Facebook – Aronong Silvestra – said they came across the box at the temple of Wat Suwan in Muang district of Chiang Mai. The box was in addition to a regular “donation box”.

Aronong said it was not appropriate for religious and cultural sites like this to charge foreigners as they were not there to make a profit. 

Chiang Mai News said that many agreed with the sentiments. But others said that in foreign countries religious and cultural sites charge non-residents to visit aiding in the upkeep of such sites. 

They said that many temples in Chiang Mai were now doing this. 

A spokesman at the temple – Sawan Khwaenthaisong – was shown smiling in a video explaining what foreigners got for their 50 baht.

They were given a small bottle of water and an information leaflet. And those who came inappropriately dressed got a sarong. 

And they got a lovely little sticker, too. 

He assured the reporter – who appeared less sure – that every baht from the tourists would go to the upkeep of the temple. 

Thaivisa notes that many Thais and foreigners are not fooled by some temples and their charges – many believe that funds garnered in this way end up in the hands of unscrupulous people such as monks and lay figures who get rich on the proceeds.

Thai Visa / Chiang Mai News

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