Wat Sunthon Thammathon Temple

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About Wat Sunthon Thammathon Temple

The 'Lucky Buddha' temple, as it is colloquially known, has a reputation that precedes it. It is a place that has been the center of many a tale of unsuspecting tourists falling prey to a well-orchestrated scam. The temple itself is a sight to behold, but the experiences of many visitors have been marred by the unfortunate circumstances that surround it.

The scam typically begins with a seemingly harmless tuk-tuk ride. The driver, often friendly and chatty, offers to take tourists on a tour for a mere 40 Baht. The unsuspecting tourists, tired from walking and eager to explore, readily agree. The tuk-tuk driver then proceeds to take them to the 'Lucky Buddha' temple, among other places. The temple is presented as a rare sight, supposedly open only one day a year, and closing soon.

At the temple, a well-spoken Thai individual engages the tourists in conversation, often discussing their home country and even offering to take family photos. The unsuspecting tourists, charmed by the friendly interaction, are then led into the scam. The tuk-tuk driver takes them to various stores, where they are pressured into buying overpriced items. The driver, it turns out, gets a cut from these purchases.

The 'Lucky Buddha' temple, despite being a part of this scam, is a beautiful place. It is a shame that its reputation has been tarnished by the actions of a few. The temple is worth a visit, but tourists are advised to be wary of the tuk-tuk drivers and their offers of cheap tours. It is recommended to firmly decline any shopping suggestions from the outset.

Despite the scam, some tourists have found their visit to the temple to be a worthwhile experience. They were able to explore parts of Bangkok they might not have otherwise seen, and visit other beautiful temples, all for a small price. However, they caution other tourists to be aware of the potential for scams and to not fall for the pressure to make purchases.

The temple is not part of the main tourist route, which has perhaps made it an easy target for the scam. A friendly local might approach tourists, telling them about a government initiative to promote tourism by paying for tuk-tuk fuel. This, they are told, allows them to hire a tuk-tuk for the whole day for just 40 Baht. The tuk-tuk driver then takes them on a temple tour, which includes the 'Lucky Buddha' temple, and the scam unfolds.

Despite the scam, the temple itself is a pleasant local temple. It is quiet and serene, offering a maze of corridors that suggest meditation. However, compared to the larger, well-known temples, it might not seem as special to a tourist. It is a quaint local temple, and if one can avoid the scam, it can be a peaceful place to visit.

In conclusion, the 'Lucky Buddha' temple is a place of beauty and serenity, marred by the unfortunate scam that has been operating for many years. Tourists are advised to be cautious and to not let the tuk-tuk drivers take them to stores they had no intention of visiting. Despite the scam, the temple is worth a visit for its tranquility and beauty.