Wat Thammikarat (Wat Dhammikaraj) is located on the east of the ancient palace. Being built before the founding of Ayutthaya, the royal temple of the Maha Nikai was initially named Wat Mukaraj.
When King Sai Nam Phueng had Wat Phanan
Choeng built, his son, King Dhammikaraj, ordered the temple to be built in the old city area, which was formerly known as Mueng Sangklaburi before the foundation of Ayutthaya.
In 1610, Somdet Phra Boromma Trailokkanat restored the temple and had a large nine room vihan, the 'Harn Song Dhamma', built for listening to sermon on Buddhist Sabbaths. The vihan once housed a bronze head of Buddha dating back to U-Thong period. The head was removed by the Fine Arts Department and is now kept at Chao Sam Phraya Museum.
In addition, there is a vihan with a reclining Buddha image, which was ordered to be built by the Queen following the fulfilled wish for the princess's recovery from illness. The reclining
Buddha is 12 meters long, facing north. The toes are covered with ...
The Khmer Empire was a powerful Kingdom in South-East Asia. Its major architectural works (temples and sculptures) are located in present day Cambodia, where the capital of the empire was located. However, during long periods of time the Khmer ruled over parts of present day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Like other major ethnic groups in the history of South-East Asia (the Thais, the Mons, The Chams) the Khmer are thought to have descended in the prehistoric period from the river valleys in Eastern Tibet and Southwest China. The Khmer appear first on the scene (in Chinese records) in the second half of the 6th century A.D. with the Kingdom known as Chenla.
Since the Khmer reigned for long periods over extended areas of present day Thailand, Thailand has a substantial number of important Khmer monuments on its territory, mainly in its Northeastern Region (such as Phonom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram Province, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi province). Any look around the...
One of the many Thai traditions that have survived from the Ayutthaya era, dating back about 600 years. The boat races started as a means to prepare and boost the morale of the kingdom’s soldiers, as a way to develop their courage and strength by rowing. In the days of the Ayutthaya kingdom every Thai man was considered vital to the country’s defense. At that stage of history aggressive neighbors could start a war at any time.
Boats used during the festival are carefully chosen and made from trees that reflect the beliefs of a particular area. The boats are also rowed by the best trained and most fit of rowing crews.
During the months where water levels are at their highest points many areas in Thailand will host long boat racing festivals. They can be found in all regions of Thailand from August through November.
In this video we get a chance to see the races in Phimai. Events like this are a great way to experience Thai culture.
Traditional Long Boat Racing in Thailand - Phimai ...
Pak Khlong Talat Mai Flower Market represents the modern evolution of Bangkok’s iconic flower trade, relocated to a larger, more organized facility to accommodate growing demand and urban development. Situated in the western part of the city, it serves as the primary wholesale and retail destination for fresh blooms, garlands, and related goods, maintaining the vibrant spirit of its historic roots while embracing contemporary logistics.
Originating as a floating market along the Chao Phraya River during King Rama I’s reign (early 18th century), the original Pak Khlong Talat site in central Phra Nakhon District transitioned from fish trading (19th century) to produce and flowers around 60 years ago. As Bangkok expanded, produce wholesaling shifted to outer markets like Talat Thai. In 2016, a city cleanup initiative moved street vendors indoors at the original location. By 2019, the market fully relocated to its current “Mai” (new) site—a bigger, modern warehouse-style complex—to handle...
