NAKHON PHANOM - Wat Phra Thai Phanom temporarily closed the inner part of its pagoda after a senior Public Health Ministry official fell off a ladder on Sunday.
District officials and the temple committee agreed on Monday to announce the area inside the famous pagoda off limits until better safety measures are put in place for visitors.
The temple in That Phanom district will also strictly screen visitors going inside the pagoda, said district chief Atichart Unhalekaga, who is a committee member.
The famous pagoda is one of the tourist magnets in the province.
Visitors are allowed to enter the temple's premises to pay respects to the stupa, where Lord Buddha's relics are kept. The area inside the pagoda is banned to the public except guests approved by the abbot or his representatives.
The inside area has seven small storeys linked by a ladder.
Deputy director-general of the Medical Services Department Narong Aphikulvanich and his entourage received permission to go inside on Sunday. The official slipped off the ladder while climbing down to the first floor. His chin was broken and he sustained bruises on the body.
The official is under medical treatment at Nakhon Phanom Hospital.
Dr Narong visited Nakhon Phanom Hospital on the weekend and a trip to the temple was part of his itinerary.