Wat Kae Temple Blends History With Buddhist Heritage

Wat Kae in Suphan Buri is a well-known tourist temple and one of Thailand's oldest sanctuaries, featured in the classic literary work "Khun Chang Khun Phaen." Constructed in 1491, it occupies 7.5 acres on the western bank of the Tha Chin River at the northern terminus of the city moat.

The temple holds special significance in "Khun Chang Khun Phaen," appearing in multiple passages as the place where Khun Phaen studied tamarind leaf incantation magic directly from his teacher Sompharchong. A colossal tamarind tree growing within the temple grounds, requiring nine people to encircle it (approximately 10 meters in girth) and over a century old, is believed to be the very tree where Sompharchong taught the young novice monk Khaew, later known as Khun Phaen, during his monastic retreat here.

The provincial government constructed an ancient-style Thai wooden house called "Khum Khun Phaen" adjacent to this giant tamarind. Historical records document that on August 4, 1904, King Rama V visited the temple's riverside dock to dine at midday. The temple also preserves remarkable artifacts including a teak wood manuscript cabinet presented by King Rama V, four-layered brass Buddha footprints from the early Rattanakosin period featuring intricate designs of Buddha images, turtles, and swans depicting the Ten Jataka Tales, a statue of Buddha in Mara's defeat pose, and an Ashoka tree originally brought from India and planted as an offering in 1965, now providing generous shade throughout the temple grounds.

Currently, Phra Kru Paisaldhammavong (Somsakdi Katawattano), also known as Phra Kru O, serves as the temple's 13th abbot and is credited with developing Wat Kae into a flourishing and renowned tourist destination.

Phra Kru Paisaldhammavong invites visitors: "Whether on holidays or days off, we welcome devotees and visitors to Wat Kae, which is conveniently close to Bangkok with ample parking. Come to rest, make merit, and perform good deeds. The temple houses fascinating historical artifacts including Khum Khun Phaen, a traditionally constructed Thai wooden house with a central chamber connected by subsidiary buildings. You can pay respects to the four-part Buddha footprints crafted from brass measuring 1.40 meters wide by 2.80 meters long, visit the Buddha image in Maha Udom Viharn—a distinctive feature of Wat Kae with a single entrance and exit unique to only a few Thai temples. The principal Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Mongkhon, depicts Buddha in the Mara's defeat pose with a shoulder width of 109 inches, crafted during the late Ayutthaya period."

Visitors can also stroll to the refreshing banks of the Tha Chin River to feed fish and pay respects to a statue of Luang Phu Khong in meditation pose, view a replica of the legendary Daab Fah Fuun (Sky Lightning Sword)—a renowned artifact from classical literature created by melting iron and various metals together.

After exploring Wat Kae, weary visitors can relax with strong coffee at the "Tor Boon Fresh Coffee" shop along the Tha Chin River. Wat Kae is located at M.1, Sompharchong Road, Rua Yai Subdistrict, Muang District, Suphan Buri Province, on a route that visits nine temples throughout the province.