Pathum Thani is only 46
km from Bangkok. It is easily approached by road or by boat. The province of Pathum Thani
was originally known as Muang Sam Khok, when it was founded during the Ayutthaya period.
It was first settled by migrating Mons during the reign of King Narai the Great. A royal
visit by King Phra Phutta Loetla in 1815 brought about the name change. Upon being offered
lotus flowers by the inhabitants, he bestowed the name Prathum Thani upon the city.
Places of Attraction
Muang
Lak (City Pillar)
The shrine is located in the grounds of Sala Klang. It was constructed in 1977. The design
is similar to a lotus stem and a statue of the Narai god. On one side there is a Buddha
image, of Sukhothai style, in an attitude of Subduing Mara.
Wat
Chinwararam
The temple is situated on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple was
previously called Wat Makham Thai. Murals depict the story of the Lord Buddha's previous
lives: known as 'Phra Chao Sip Chat' or 'ten lives of the Lord'.
Wat Sing
This temple is also situated on the west banks of the Chao Phraya River, about 3 km from
town. The temple was constructed by migrating Mons and enshrines an Ayutthayan style
image, in the attitude of subduing Mara. A small museum in the compound contains
archaeological pieces of Mon heritage, along with a bedstead of King Rama II, who made a
Royal visit to Muang Sam Khok.
Wat Phut Udom
This monastery is located along Pathum Thani-Nong Jok Road, in Tambon Sai, Amphoe Lam Luk
Ka. It enshrines a replica of Phra Phuttha Sothon in the bot, along with a small
museum containing archaeological finds.
Wat Bua
Khwan
This monastery is situated in Amphoe Lat Lum Kaeo. The major attraction is the pavilion,
Sala Daeng, where King Rama VI presided over a ploughing ceremony. It has teak tile
roofing which is considered elegant workmanship.
Wat
Worani Thammakayaram
This monastery is known as the Meditation Practice Center. It is located in Tambon Khlong
Sam, Amphoe Khlong Luang, five kilometers from Phahonyothin Road. The garden occupies an
area of 196 rai and provides an atmosphere which is pleasant and suitable for practicing
meditation.
Wat
Phailom
This monastery, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Amphoe Sam Khok, was
constructed during the Sukhothai period. The main attraction is the annual migration of
open-billed storks from Siberia, which reside in and around the monastery from November
until about June.
