Wat Phraya Tham - Ayutthaya Era Temple in Bangkok
The historic structure, nicknamed the “Giant Stupa” for having four giant sculptures surrounding it is a historic temple in the Bangkok Noi area of the city. The unique structure was being restored when part of it collapsed injuring 11 and killing 1 worker in 2018.
The temple is a third class royal monastery built in the late Ayutthaya era. The temple was formerly called Wat Nak. It was later restored by Chao Phraya Rattanathibet (Kun) and renamed Wat Phraya Tham in dedication to Thai King Rama II.
The temple was restored again during the reign of King Rama III. The whole temple was restored during this renovation including the bell tower/ naga stupa.
The temple features an ordination hall and 2 chedi (pagodas) that are built in the Thai style popular during the reign of King Rama I. There is also a large chedi with 12 indented corners built in front of the ubosot.
Inside the hall there is a wooden pulpit with Kanok motif wood ...
Wat Kharuehabodi is a peaceful third-class royal Buddhist temple nestled along the western bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district.
Established around 1824 during the reign of King Rama III, the temple was founded when Phraya Ratchamontri Borirak (Phu) donated land that once included an old house linked to the famed poet Sunthorn Phu. The name “Kharuehabodi” evokes the idea of a “millionaire’s temple” or householder’s abode, reflecting its origins.
The temple’s star attraction is its principal Buddha image, Phra Saekkham (also known as Luang Por Saek Kham), a revered Maravijaya-style statue likely dating back to the 12th–13th century in the Chiang Saen artistic tradition. Legends trace its creation to the era of Queen Camadevi, the legendary first ruler of Haripuñjaya (Hariphunchai). Over centuries, the golden image passed through the kingdoms of Lanna, Lan Xang, and Vientiane before eventually reaching Siam. King Rama III later presented it to this temple...
The new Tai Hong Kong White Jade Shrine, also known as the White Jade Tai Hong Gong Shrine, stands as a magnificent addition to Bangkok’s cultural and spiritual landscape in the Sathon district.
Located on Charoen Rat Road adjacent to the Por Teck Tung Foundation’s 80th Birthday Commemorative Garden, this shrine officially opened to the public on May 25, 2026, following a royal opening ceremony presided over by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen on May 20.
Built to commemorate the King’s 72nd birthday, it serves as a living monument to compassion, cultural heritage, and charitable legacy managed by the Por Teck Tung Foundation, one of Thailand’s oldest Chinese charitable organizations with roots dating back to 1899.
The shrine honors Venerable Tai Hong, also called Luang Pu Tai Hong or Tai Hong Gong, a revered Chinese Buddhist monk from the Song Dynasty known for his extraordinary acts of mercy.
Originally named Leng Ngak from the Lim family, he dedicated his life to collecting...
The Phimai National Museum, situated in Phimai district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand, serves as a vital center for understanding the history and archaeology of the lower northeastern region.
Positioned near the iconic Phimai Historical Park and adjacent to an ancient Khmer reservoir, the museum features an extensive collection of artifacts that trace the cultural evolution of the Mun-Chi river basin across provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, and Buriram. Its exhibitions cover everything from prehistoric settlements around 3,000 years ago through the rise of Khmer civilization, showcasing sandstone sculptures, architectural elements from ancient sanctuaries, carved lintels, statues of deities, and other relics that highlight social development, belief systems, and artistic influences in the area.
The museum’s origins date back to 1964 when it was initially established to house artifacts from the Phimai site and surrounding areas in lower Isan that ...
