# Sanctuary of Truth (DD-379)

> The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand, is a carved wooden structure about 105 meters tall, built with wooden joinery rather than metal nails. Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphant began it in 1981, and carving and restoration continue; the Reel puts completion around 2050. Its design mixes Thai, Khmer, Chinese and Indian styles with Hindu and Buddhist imagery. The footage shows the sanctuary and its carvings.

- Department: Locations (also History)
- First published: 2024-11-19
- Last updated: 2024-11-19
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/sanctuary-of-truth/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1981**: Construction of the Sanctuary of Truth begins

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=sanctuary-of-truth

## Quick facts

- **DD-379-F01**: Pattaya, Thailand. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Location))_
- **DD-379-F02**: About 105 m. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Height))_

## Write-up

A 105-meter wooden sanctuary in Pattaya has been under construction since 1981. Its carvings draw on Hindu and Buddhist themes.

1. **Location**: Pattaya, Thailand.
2. **Height**: About 105 m.
3. **Started**: 1981.
4. **Founder**: Lek Viriyaphant.
5. **Joinery**: Wood, no metal nails.

## Related case files

- [The White Temple (DD-042)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-white-temple/): I linked another ornate temple

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Sanctuary of Truth: A 105-Meter Wooden Sanctuary in Pattaya Has Been Under Construction Since 1981

- Duration: 27.4 s · Published: 2024-11-19
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DCj08RTpfzT.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know, The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand is a towering wooden structure built entirely without nails, standing at 105 meters and adorned with intricate carvings that reflect Hindu and Buddhist themes. Initiated in 1981 by Thai businessman, Lek Viriyaphant, The Sanctuary remains an ongoing project with anticipated completion around 2050. Its design combines elements of Thai, Khmer, Chinese and Indian architecture, representing an ancient worldview and Eastern philosophy. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Where is it?**  
A: Coastal city. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Location) · Wikipedia: Sanctuary of Truth)_

**Q: When was it begun?**  
A: Ongoing. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Height) · Wikipedia: Sanctuary of Truth)_

**Q: What is it made of?**  
A: Carved. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Started) · Wikipedia: Sanctuary of Truth)_

**Q: Who began it?**  
A: Businessman. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Founder) · Wikipedia: Sanctuary of Truth)_

**Q: About how tall?**  
A: Towering. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Joinery) · Wikipedia: Sanctuary of Truth)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Sanctuary of Truth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_of_Truth)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Sanctuary of Truth." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-379, last updated Nov 19, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/sanctuary-of-truth/