Author: Stefan

Wat Mahathat in พระนครศรีอยุธยา is one of the most iconic and historically significant temples of Thailand’s ancient capital. Established in the 14th century during the early years of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it served as a royal monastery and was a centre for religious learning and ceremonies. Over centuries, Wat Mahathat witnessed political and cultural shifts but remained a vital spiritual hub until it was largely destroyed during the Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Despite the extensive damage, the temple’s ruins still reveal the grandeur of พระนครศรีอยุธยา’s golden age.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet stands as one of the most remarkable and historically significant temples in พระนครศรีอยุธยา, the ancient capital of Siam. Established in the 14th century, this grand royal temple served as the royal chapel within the grounds of the old พระนครศรีอยุธยา palace complex. Unlike typical temples, it was reserved exclusively for royal ceremonies and never housed monks, underscoring its sacred importance to the kingdom’s monarchy and religious rituals. The temple’s architecture and layout were designed to represent the heart of พระนครศรีอยุธยา’s religious and political life.

The Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In, located near พระนครศรีอยุธยา, stands as a remarkable testament to Thailand’s royal heritage and its encounter with diverse architectural influences. Originally constructed in the 17th century during King Prasat Thong’s reign, the palace complex was later abandoned before being revived in the 19th century by King Rama IV and Rama V. Intended as a royal retreat from the sweltering heat of กรุงเทพฯ, this palace served as a tranquil getaway where the monarchs could enjoy the beauty of nature alongside leisure and diplomatic engagements.

Wat Niwet Thammaprawat in พระนครศรีอยุธยา is a fascinating temple with a distinctly European appearance, standing out amid the traditional Thai architectural landscape. Built in the late 19th century during the reign of King Rama V, this Buddhist temple was designed by a European architect under royal patronage. The temple’s unique Gothic Revival style, complete with pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a bell tower, gives it the appearance of a Christian church rather than a typical Thai wat. This unusual design was intended to demonstrate the king’s openness to Western influence while maintaining the temple’s sacred Buddhist function.

The giant Buddha of Luang Pho U Thong stands as a formidable symbol of devotion and spiritual significance in Thailand. This impressive statue, measuring approximately 32 metres in height, is one of the largest seated Buddha images in the country. Its serene expression and the intricate details of the traditional Thai style craftsmanship evoke a deep sense of reverence and tranquility. The statue is housed within a temple complex in a former quarry that warmly welcomes visitors and pilgrims alike, creating an atmosphere steeped in peaceful reflection.

The Death Railway, also known as the Burma Railway or the Thai-Burma Railway, is a harrowing chapter in World War II history that illustrates both human suffering and resilience. Built between 1942 and 1943 by the Japanese Empire, the railway was intended to support their military campaign in Burma by connecting Thailand with Burma through dense jungle terrain. The project relied heavily on forced labour, including approximately 60,000 Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and over 200,000 Asian labourers, often referred to as ‘romusha‘. Faced with brutal conditions, malnutrition, disease, and physical abuse, thousands perished during the construction, hence the grim epithet ‘Death Railway‘.