john luke Posted July 1, 2021 Share Posted July 1, 2021 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john luke Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share Posted July 2, 2021 Sanctuary of Truth The Sanctuary of Truth is perhaps the most iconic structure in Pattaya. Intricately carved entirely from teak wood, the awe-inspiring 105-metre-tall hall on the headland to the north of Wongamat Beach is a one-of-a-kind structure in the whole world. Neither temple nor palace, despite looking like a hybrid of both, it was commissioned by a local business tycoon to act as a place of appreciation for philosophy, art, culture and faith, without being tied to a single religion. The sanctuary is perhaps best described as a monument to Thai craftsmanship, with its stunningly detailed carvings of elephants, people and scenes, creatures and deities from mythology. They pay homage to and are a reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy and they adorn every single surface – both inside and out – of the building. They are also a reflection of the fleeting nature and ceaseless toil of human existence because none of the wood is treated or protected from the elements, meaning that older parts gradually succumb to the rigours of the weather and climate and need to be replaced. The construction of the sanctuary, which began in 1981, is an on-going, never-ending task (Above from Pattaya by Hotels.com.) 1 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lantern Posted July 2, 2021 Share Posted July 2, 2021 Truly awe inspiring place. Done it a couple of times over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freee!! Posted July 2, 2021 Share Posted July 2, 2021 1 hour ago, Lantern said: Truly awe inspiring place. Done it a couple of times over the years. Same here, plan to do it again next time I am in the neighbourhood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumpuynarak Posted July 4, 2021 Share Posted July 4, 2021 (edited) Great pics John TFP. Wifey and i are frequent visitors for a couple of hours on our trips, its a great place to walk about and view the stunning workmanship. Question - I wonder if it suffers from termites ? Edited July 4, 2021 by Pumpuynarak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Dangleberries Posted July 4, 2021 Share Posted July 4, 2021 Excellent photography! It must have been quite serene without the coach loads of package tourists being bustled around. Time to slowly view the artwork and reflect on the philosophy of human existence in relative silence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john luke Posted July 4, 2021 Author Share Posted July 4, 2021 3 hours ago, Derek Dangleberries said: Excellent photography! It must have been quite serene without the coach loads of package tourists being bustled around. Time to slolwly view the artwork and reflect on the philosophy of human existence in relative silence. Thank you. A similar situation at Mini Siam; I accept it is a different type of attraction. For most if not all of the time I was the sole visitor. I for one would willingly pay more it they set aside limited periods of time for groups of photographers or even singles. https://www.thailand-247.com/topic/4501-mini-siam-24062021/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freee!! Posted July 4, 2021 Share Posted July 4, 2021 9 hours ago, Pumpuynarak said: Question - I wonder if it suffers from termites ? It doesn't, teak is poisonous to termites, one reason teak is in so much demand. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts