BANGKOK: Wat Rajabopit in Thailand’s Phra Nakhon district in the capital has issued an order prohibiting people from conducting wedding ceremonies, taking photographs and videos, or organising any commercial activities on the temple’s premises.
This is in response to recent incidents of influencers using the temple as a backdrop for content creation, which led to disturbances and misuse of the venue, Thai PBS reported on Tuesday (Sept 17).
The temple, not far from the Grand Palace, was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and its abbot is the Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana. With its unique layout, gilded chedi and Italian-inspired interiors, it is a popular tourist attraction.
In a Facebook post, the temple clarified that while visitors are welcome to make merit and organise Buddhist activities with prior permission, they are not allowed to conduct weddings, marriage registrations, ring exchanges or water-pouring ceremonies.
Visitors are also not allowed to use the temple for commercial purposes, including advertising products or services.
The temple emphasised the importance of respectful behaviour, including wearing appropriate attire, and prohibited actions like climbing, using the temple for entertainment and romantic activities, or disrupting religious practices.
The post also clarified that the temple does not collaborate with businesses or agencies for ceremonies or events deemed unsuitable for a religious site.
The temple warned that offenders would be prosecuted and encouraged people with information about those exploiting the temple or hurting its reputation to contact the Supreme Patriarch’s office. - The Nation/ANN
