Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On June 22, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that "after years of patient fund raising, the refurbished Thai temple on Russell Street, Wat Mongkolratanaram...is to be solemnly dedicated...Thailand's ambassador, Dr. Tej Bannag, is flying in from Washington, D.C...The temple, a refuge for Thais in the Bay Area, variously estimated at 20,000 to 60,000, has been bustling for weeks now."