Thailand Photos III

[Thomas Knierim]

This thread's topic: temples and Buddhism in Thailand.

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The famous spires of Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok. This is the most important Wat in Thailand. It houses the Emerald Buddha.

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Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok, also known as the Marble Temple, stands out for its beautiful architecture.

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Two Buddha images inside the ubosoth of Wat Boworn, Phra Suwannakhet or Luang Pho To, and Phra Buddha Chinasi, which was brought from Phitsanulok.

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The monks' kutis at Wat Boworn, Bangkok.


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Contemporary Buddhist architecture at the Buddhamonthon Park in Nakhon Pathom.

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Wat Suthat is located in Bangkok's China town.

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This beautiful group of Buddha images can be seen at Wat Sri Suphan at Wualai Road, Chiang Mai.

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The golden pagoda of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is perched in the hills of Chiang Mai roughly 1000 metres above the city.

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The Doi Suthep temple was constructed in the 13th century. Only a small steep pathway led up to the temple until a proper road was built in the early 20th century.

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With 120 metres, the mighty Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom is the largest pagoda in Thailand and perhaps in the world. The history of the monument goes back 2000 years to the earliest beginnings of Buddhism in this part of the world.

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The Khao Wang (Phra Nakhon Khiri) monastery is perched on top of a 95 metre high hill overlooking Petchaburi.

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This giant temple in Chachoengsao is located on the west bank of Bangpakong river. It houses one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand, the Luang Pho Sothon. People travel here from every corner of Thailand to pay respect to the sacred image.

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The Prasat Muang Singh Khmer temple. The Muang Sing (City of Lions) in modern day Kanchanaburi province was the westernmost outpost of the Khmer empire.

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A tall Lopburi style statue stands in the centre of Prasat Muang Sing.

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A tall Buddha statue stands in front of a cliff in Ratchaburi.

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The Prasat Hin Phimai Khmer temple in Nakhon Ratchasima -although 1000 years old- is well perserved. It was built from sandstone and laterite.

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The old Khmer architectural paradigms are still visible in these Thai temple ruins from the 17th century in Ayutthaya. Wat Chai Watthanaram is one of the most imposing monasteries of Ayutthaya. It was established in 1630.

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This Indian style temple is part of Wat Yansangwararam (Wat Yan), ca. 20 km south of Pattaya.

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This crumbling "mondop" in Ayutthaya exposes the Buddha image inside.

Cheers, Thomas

[Thomas Knierim]

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This cliff in Chonburi, south of Pattaya, has a Buddha figure engraved in it. The engraving is 130m tall and 70m wide and is inlaid with gold. It can be seen from miles away.

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On Buddhist holidays lay people congregate in the temples to perform ceremonies and to listen to the monks.

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This is an especially large congregation on the day of Makha Phuja in the assembly hall (viharn) of Wat Dhammamongkol in Bangkok.

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Buddhist worshippers perform the "vien tien" (candle light procession) by circumambulating the ubosoth three times with a candle.

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A Buddhist novice (naen) at an ancient Khmer temple in Phimai, Buriram.

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Throwing coins into the metal alms bowls produces a wonderful noise and is supposed to bring prosperity to the temple and the donators.

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Women wear the white robes of the "Mae Chi" in Thailand. As of 2008, it is not possible for women to ordain in Thailand, hence, no yellow robes.

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According to the 2500 year old Buddhist tradition, ordination as a monk begins with shaving one's head.

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The soon-t0-be-monk is prepared for the monkhood. Ordination usually gives cause to large family celebrations so that everybody participates in the meritorious act. Before ordination, monks wear white.

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The ordination ceremony is performed by the most senior monks (usually the abbot) of a monastery and requires the presence of seven ordained monks.

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Wearing the yellow robes after ordination.

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Visitors pay respect to the Buddha at Wat Dhammamongkol.

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Many people come to Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhorn Pathom to bring offerings to the Sangha. There is a permanent reception attended by a resident monk.

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A "Mae Chi" sweeps the temple grounds of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon in Ayutthaya.

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The growing popularity of Buddhist art in the West has recently led to a large scale commercialisation. Buddha heads such as these are a popular souvenir for tourists.