A tourist takes a picture of a Buddhist monk in the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok on December 3, 2019. (AFP/Romeo Gacad)
BANGKOK — Authorities at Wat Pho temple say foreigners have been banned from visiting the Bangkok landmark in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The temple placed a sign outside its entrance with a message reading “Open for Thais only” and “Now not open for foreigners”, as reported by the Associated Press.
Wit Artchinda, an official at the temple, explained that Wat Pho’s committee had responded to the COVID-19 crisis in other countries and decided to follow the government’s preventive measures.
However, the government has made no announcement banning foreigners from entering public places as part of disease control measures.
Wit added that some areas of the temple are under repair, and the committee was afraid that foreign visitors might be disappointed if they paid Bt200 (US$6.46) and saw nothing.
Wat Pho Temple is among the oldest and largest temples in Thailand and also one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist attractions.