A famous Thai temple has apologised after finding itself at the centre of an international row for reportedly banning Chinese tourists from its new toilet . The tourists were said to have disgusted other visitors to Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple – by urinating on walls and defecating on the floor . The complaints were believed to have prompted a decision by the temple ’ s owner that new toilet facilities due to open would be made unavailable for Chinese tourists , according to People ’ s Daily . But , responding to online criticism , owner Chalermchai Kositpipat – who stressed he is ‘ three quarters Chinese but can not speak the language ’ – said everyone would be allowed to use the new facilities . The White Temple 's beautiful setting is kept pristine for the thousands who visit all year round . The temple is actually a privately-owned art exhibit designed to resemble a Buddhist temple . Wat Rong Khun , one of the most popular tourist spots for Chinese tourists in Thailand , is situated in Chiang Rai . It is better known as The White Temple due to its stunning all-white exteriors . And , keen to remain whiter-than-white , the temple had become concerned with reports that foul messes left behind by a minority of guests had made it difficult for others to use the toilets . Chalermchai Kositpipat said the temple originally had two bathrooms and had recently built a third one about 200 metres away from its popular 'golden toilet ' , reported China Daily . All tourists are now free to use any of the bathrooms , continued the report . Embarrassed Chalermchai Kositpipat attempted to deflect criticism by pointing out he has three-quarters Chinese blood . His father originally comes from Guangdong and his mother is Thai-Chinese . Although he can ’ t speak Chinese , he remembers the Chinese name his father has given him , which reads Qi Longcai . ' I don ’ t have any intention to look down upon Chinese , ' said the owner . ‘ As Chinese , I hope we can all strive to ensure that we travel with manners . ' The temple 's owner has invested huge sums of his money into renovations but does not charge entry fees . The temple was nearly demolished when it was affected by an earthquake in May 2014 . Chalermchai Kositpipat designs the temple himself - and the state-of-the-art bathrooms are a tourist attraction in their own right . While the temple closed its bathrooms temporarily to Chinese tourists on February 3 , it has been opened since . The ‘ White Temple incident ’ , as it was dubbed by Chinese media , caught the attention of government officials as well as the press in both China and Thailand . Governmental functions such as The Ministry of Tourism and Sports have stressed repetitively that Thailand welcomes Chinese tourists . Chinese-language pamphlets and guidebooks are available in many tourist attractions , such as The Grand Palace . The news also sparked debate within Thailand . According to People ’ s Daily , some Thai netizens expressed anger towards the rude behaviour of Chinese tourists , while others thought they should keep a tolerant mind . Li Liangcheng , the Minister of Thailand-China Tourism Association , said the arrival of Chinese tourists has brought considerable income and that Thailand welcomes Chinese tourists . Mr Li also encouraged Chinese tourists to understand the local customs and laws .
Chinese tourists accused of urinating on walls and defecating on floors . Country had reacted furiously to reports they were banned from toilets . Comment: