Phanom Rung พนมรุ้ง or also known as Prasat Hin Phanom Rung ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้ง which means Phanom Rung Stone Castle. It is a Hindu Khmer Empire Temple complex set on the rim of an extinct volcano at 402 metres (1,319 ft) elevation.
It is located in Buriram Province in the Issan region of Thailand, and was built at a time when Khmer social-political influences were significant in Srisaket.
It was built of sandstone and laterite between the 10th and 13th centuries. It was a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva, and symbolizes Mount Kailash, his heavenly dwelling.
The Phanom Rung sanctuary compound was constructed over several phases. These comprise two foundations of sacred brick buildings of 10th century, the minor sanctuary of 11th century, the central sanctuary built by king Suryavarman II’s relative Narentratitaya in 12th century and two Bannalais (libraries) of the 13th century. Further sacred buildings were built in the reign of King Jayavarman ...
Wat Chang (วัดฉาง) in Pathum Thani, Thailand
Wat Chang, also known as วัดฉาง in Thai, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani Province, in the central region of Thailand. It sits along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, making it a serene riverside site steeped in Mon cultural heritage. The temple is situated about 1 km south of Pathum Thani town center and roughly 6 km from Tambon Sam Khok, near the provincial town hall.
History
The temple’s origins trace back to the early 19th century, during the reign of King Rama II (1809–1824) of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. It was founded by Mon (Burman) migrants who fled oppression under Burmese rule in their homeland (modern-day Myanmar). Led by a figure named Samingsodbao, around 40,000 Mon people resettled in the Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi areas. The settlement was named “Ban Chang” (บ้านฉาง), meaning “elephant barn” or more broadly “storage barn,” due to the ...
Wat Chetawong (วัดเจตวงศ์), also transliterated as Wat Jet Wong, is a historic abandoned temple (วัดร้าง) in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. It’s a lesser-known archaeological site valued for its preserved early Rattanakosin-era architecture and faded wall murals depicting previous Buddhas—making it a quiet gem for history buffs, photographers, and those exploring Pathum Thani’s Mon-influenced heritage. Unlike bustling active temples like Wat Bot or Wat Chin Wararam, this one offers a serene, off-the-beaten-path vibe amid the province’s riverside landscape.
History and Founding
Established during the early Rattanakosin period (late 18th to early 19th century), shortly after the founding of Bangkok in 1782, Wat Chetawong reflects the era’s blend of Ayutthaya architectural influences and local Mon craftsmanship. The temple likely served a small riverside community in what was then a fertile, irrigation-rich area settled by Mon migrants from Myanmar over 300 years ...
Si Mahosot was a significant urban and cultural center in the Dvaravati civilization, a Mon-dominated culture that shaped early Thailand through trade, religion, and governance. It later came under Khmer influence, reflecting its strategic importance in Southeast Asia.
Historical Development
1. Dvaravati Origins (6th–8th Centuries):
• Si Mahosot emerged as a key city in the Dvaravati kingdom, a loose network of Mon city-states in central and eastern Thailand.
• It was a hub for trade and cultural exchange, connecting India, China, and other Southeast Asian regions via maritime and overland routes.
• Archaeological evidence shows a fortified city with moats and earthen walls, suggesting defense needs and centralized planning.
• The city thrived on agriculture (rice farming in fertile plains) and craftsmanship, with pottery, beads, and metalwork found in excavations.
2. Khmer Influence (9th–13th Centuries):
• By the 9th century, Si Mahosot came under the expanding Khmer Empire (centered in Angkor, Cambodia).
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