Last week, the city was abuzz with a debate over a temple bell that allegedly keeps some people awake and frustrated. City authorities stepped in, instructing the temple to keep the bell noise as low as possible, to please residents of a nearby luxurious condo.
The drama caused a divide. Many sided with Wat Sai temple, saying the bell-ringing tradition was practised by the 300-year-old temple long before the condo was built. They argue that many cathedrals in Europe have preserved similar traditions, with loud bell-ringing even every hour. Others say it's unfair because it can deprive people of their sleep. In their opinion, the temple should adapt to a changing society like some other religious venues around the world that have lowered the noise level or used symbolic signals such as lights.
Sirinya Wattanasukchai is a columnist, Bangkok Post.
