Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Monumental projects in Thailand are almost always community-based, usually undertaken by temples. Rarely are they undertaken by a single individual, other than the king. One of the few exceptions to this rule is the construction of a temple-like structure, christened "The Sanctuary of Truth."

The Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) also called Wang Boran and Prasat Mai is not a Temple or Wat, this stunning teakwood palace details the pan-Eastern school of thought regarding the order of the universe. The Magnificence of Heaven Recreated on Earth of Thailand.

A gigantic temple-like structure entirely made of wood, 105meters high at the highest point constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore. With exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out of the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truths.

The overall shape roughly follows traditional Thai architecture, the temple is richly detailed with wood carvings depicting the four major philosophical and artistic influences that can be seen in Thailand, Hindu, Khmer, Chinese and Thai. Each of the cruciform-plan building's four wings reflects a different one of the four styles. One wing recalls the monumental architecture of the Bayon Temple at Angkor Wat, while another is decorated with Chinese motifs.

Some of the main supports in the Sanctuary are taken from trees over 700 years old. To preserve the wood from the wind, rain and salt blown in from the sea, the wood has been injected with a copper solution to preserve it, thus giving it a green colour. The wing forming the main entrance is stylistically Thai. Much of the exterior appears complete, although some parts now have to be repaired due to their long exposure to the elements.

Sanctuary of Truth

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A part from the Sanctuary there are also dolphin shows at 11:30 AM and 15:30 PM, Pony and cart rides to the entrance, and Elephant rides. There are traditional Thai dancing shows and sword fighting demonstrations too. The Sanctuary of Truth is a good 4 hour tour from Bangkok, 15 minutes taxi ride from Mike Shopping centre in the heart of Pattaya.

Although incomplete, the building site is open to visitors who want to view the work in progress. The 500Baht (14.95USD) entrance fee is a bit steep, but that appears to be intended to keep the number of visitors low so that they do not interfere with the construction. You do get a personal guide to take you through the complex, although they are generally not well versed in English. Hard hats are provided to protect you when inside the building.

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