Wat Kai Tia

Have you ever heard of a temple with a legend of a sunken ship? Wat Kai Tia stands right before you, a humble monastery with a history rich in maritime mystery. It is located just outside of the main island of Ayutthaya, a bit further south than Khlong Takhian. The temple has an interesting name, Wat Kai Tia. This name, translates to “Temple of the Short Chicken,” which might leave you scratching your head, but it’s actually related to the location, which was once known as the “Village of the Short Chicken,” a name found on older maps. The history of Wat Kai Tia itself is not as firmly established as is the legend of the sunken ship. Even though this legend is nothing more than an urban myth, the ship is definitely not fabricated. Local authorities were astonished when ancient artifacts started surfacing at the Hua Ro market, a few decades ago. The temple is now home to a small museum, showcasing these precious relics – ceramics, metalwork, and the iconic Siamese anchors, thought to be from the sunken ship. The anchors are a sight to behold. They are made of wood and bear the marks of time, with cracks and crevices that reveal their age. These anchors are not your ordinary anchors, either. They were used in the time when the Siamese used wooden anchors and fastened stones to them to make them sink, as written by De La Loubère in his “A New Historical Relation of the Kingdom of Siam.” The story of the sunken ship adds an intriguing layer to the temple. There are many versions of the legend, mostly involving a ship carrying elephants, a Chinese princess, and a monk’s dream revealing a hidden Buddha image. The origins of the ship may be obscure, but it is undeniable that Wat Kai Tia and its museum continue to be a fascinating place to explore and uncover Ayutthaya’s rich history. So, as you stand here, gazing at the temple, just imagine a ship laden with treasures, sinking into the river, and these relics, resting at the bottom, waiting to be discovered. Wat Kai Tia, a quiet testament to history and legend, awaits curious eyes.