Wat Rong Khun

In one of my very first post I gave my personal Thailand temple top 5. Maybe the ranking would have changed a bit after 5 years, but not enormously.
On the top spot I declared the special white temple in Chiang Rai, known as Wat Rong Khun.

Wat Rong Khun has been the lifework of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. At first his art has been labelled anti-conventional and his first creations were rejected by Thai Buddhist as it was too modern and not what people were used from a Thai Buddhist artist.
Gradually his work got more and more appreciated and even the Thai king, King Bhumibol, sponsored some of his work.
As he become more famous, more of his art works (mainly paintings) were sold for higher prices and with the fame came the wealth.

But as a good Buddhist Chalermchai wanted to do something for his faith and he decided to build up this white temple in his hometown of Chiang Rai. He doesn't accept donations, as he want to keep the temple clear of political and commercial powers, but by selling his art work, money is generated for this masterwork. He started the project of Wat Rong Khun around 1998 and he and his students are currently still working on the wat.

As I was in Chiang Rai last February I saw this amazing temple again. Through the years decorations have been finished and the paintings inside the main hall are almost done (but no pictures allowed inside).

Some additional structures, like the monks' residencies and ordination hall, are currently being built. 

I took some pictures of Wat Rong Khun and want to share them with you.