“Temple of lotuses in water,” can you hear the echoes of history whispering through the grounds of Wat Pathum Khongkha? This is no ordinary temple. It’s a place where serenity meets a macabre past. We are standing in front of Wat Pathum Khongkha Ratchaworawihan also known as Wat Pathum Khongkha. This second-class royal temple is in Bangkok’s Chinatown. It sits near Tri Mit Road which leads to Yaowarat Road.
Wat Pathum Khongkha has stood here since the Ayutthaya period. This makes it an ancient site. King Rama I’s younger brother Prince Maha Sura Singhanat renovated the monastery. He dedicated his merit-making to his father Mr. Thongdee. The temple was then renamed Wat Pathum Khongkha. Before that it was known as Wat Sampheng. This name came from its location in the Chinese commercial quarter.
But Wat Pathum Khongkha holds a darker secret. This temple was once an execution ground. Prince Kraisorn met his end here. He had rebelled against King Rama III. The execution was carried out in royal tradition. He was beaten with a sandalwood cudgel on a stone. The stone remains here today a silent witness.
Even the canal in front of Wat Pathum Khongkha is sacred. Ashes of royal family members were scattered here. Royal white elephants also found their final resting place in these waters.
Inside the ordination hall you will find Phra Phuttha Mahachanok. This principal Buddha statue overcomes temptations. It is adorned with a king’s suit. The sermon hall doors and windows display beautiful lacquered gold leaf paintings.
The area behind Wat Pathum Khongkha leads to the Chao Phraya River. There you might spot a chic guesthouse. This guesthouse was a filming location for the Thai movie Bangkok Traffic Love Story. It served as the residence of the character Loong.
Wat Pathum Khongkha is more than just a temple. It is a blend of beauty, history and intrigue. Take a moment to reflect on the stories held within these walls. Feel the weight of the past and the peace of the present.