via the Nation, 04 May 2023: Wat Phra That Phanom, a significant spiritual site in Thailand, is closing for a month to address the issue of untidy areas caused by vendors, which could prevent the temple from being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and vendors have protested against the announcement.
Wat Phra That Phanom, one of the most important spiritual sites in Thailand, will be closed for one month starting on Friday so that a plan can be developed and implemented to ensure the vendors who conduct business in and around the temple do not trash it.
The mess vendors make inside and around the temple will prevent Wat Phra That Phanom from being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ananchai Chaiyadej chairman of the temple’s executive committee announced on Wednesday.
Vendors are violating the temple’s rules and leaving areas inside and outside the temple untidy, the announcement read.
They are also irritating pilgrims to the sacred site, said Ananchai.
Ensuring that vendors follow temples rules and are organised in a way that does not diminish the spirit of the temple is necessary for it to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will help protect the temple for future generations.
Source: Sacred Thai temple closes after vendors accused of tarnishing it
