Wat Chaiyo or Wat Ket Chaiyo was built during the Ayutthaya Period. It became important during the reign of King Rama IV. The venerable Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) of Wat Rakhang Khositaram built the large Buddha image in a subduing Mara gesture and placed it outdoors. However, the image collapsed soon after construction. He re-built it in the same pose but smaller, covered it in plaster and without gold leaf. As the image could be seen from far, the villagers called it Luangpho To (meaning huge image). Further temple restoration during the reign of King Rama V the Buddha image collapsed again. The King ordered the renovation of the image with steel bars inside. The new image was covered in gold leaf and monks’ robes and was given the new name by King Rama V the Great “Phra Maha Phutthaphim”. A new main chapel was constructed to house the image. Upon completion, King Rama V the Great established the temple as one of the royal temples.
To pay respect to Luangpho ...
The Ayutthaya Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) has no general entrance fee for the park itself, but individual major temples charge admission for foreigners. The key temples now charge 80 Baht each. For visitors planning to see multiple sites, a combined/all-inclusive ticket priced at 300 Baht covers 7 key temples managed by the Fine Arts Department. This pass offers good value compared to paying individually (80 Baht × 7 = 560 Baht, saving 260 Baht).
The 7 temples included in this 300 Baht ticket are:
1. Wat Phra Mahathat
One of the most iconic and visited temples, famous for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a sacred fig tree—a surreal, photogenic symbol of nature reclaiming the ruins. The site includes ancient stupas, viharns, and many Buddha images.
2. Wat Ratchaburana
Built in the 15th century, known for its striking central prang (Khmer-style tower) with restored stucco work and murals. It features a large chedi and underground crypt discoveries.
3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The most ...
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival
The 39th Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival is currently underway in Phetchaburi, Thailand, from February 20 to March 1, 2026, under the theme "Wiman Fah Phra Nakhon Khiri: The Jewel of Siam".
This annual event features cultural displays, local food, and vibrant fireworks, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich heritage and culinary delights of Phetchaburi.
During the festival the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is open to the public for free. Normally it’s 200 Baht per person to visit.
Phetchaburis well-known landmark, the locally known as Khao Wang (Palace Hill) is located up on a 92-meter high verdant hill, in the city of Phetchaburi.
It was built under the royal command of King Rama IV and in 1860 became his summer palace. The whole compound is comprised of royal halls, palaces, temples and other buildings which were elegantly constructed in a well-balanced Thai, neoclassical Western and Chinese architectural styles.
The east side is situated by important ...
The match between Port FC and Muangthong United took place on March 1, 2026, in the Thai League 1 (Round 23). It was hosted by Muangthong United at Thunderdome Stadium, with kickoff at 7:00 PM.
The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
It was a tightly contested, low-scoring affair with no goals in either half. Port FC extended their unbeaten run against Muangthong United in recent meetings (they hadn’t lost in the last 5 encounters prior, with 4 wins and 1 draw, and this added another draw). Muangthong United, struggling in the standings (around 15th place with a poor record), earned a valuable point at home, while Port FC were held despite their stronger form.
A notable off-field detail: Port FC’s head coach Alexandre Gama was absent due to hospitalization in ICU (serious condition reported), with the club providing support and likely needing an interim replacement.
The run for a top 4 spot continues for port with just over a month remaining in the season. For MT they will need to continue to battle...
