The ban lasted only half a day, however. It was called off after Mr Chalermchai felt sympathy for many Chinese people who had arrived at the venue only to be denied entry.
The temple was reopened to Chinese tourists on the condition that their tour guides be held responsible for cleaning the toilets if their clients behaved inappropriately.
Mr Chalermchai, who was named a National Artist for the visual arts in 2011, has been working on Wat Rong Khun, the ornate white Buddhist temple, since 1996.
The temple, in tambon Pa-or Donchai in Muang district, is open daily, free of charge from 8am-5pm.