A Visit to Temples Built During the Reign of King Rama III

Mar 26, 2022

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A Visit to Temples Built During the Reign of King Rama III

King Rama III was born in 1788 and in his early life was known as Prince Chetsadabodin.  On the death of King Rama II he acceded to the throne and had his coronation on 1 August 1824.  He then became His Majesty King Nang Klao Chaoyuhua.  Before acceding to the throne he had led a force to fight the Burmese, headed the Treasury and the Port Authority, and been in close contact with Western traders, thus participating in the administration of the State.

The three most outstanding achievements of King Rama III were the enlargement of Siam and domination of neighbouring principalities; development of relationships with Western power; and the Renaissance in Arts (especially in temple building) and literature.

It was in this reign that Thai arts reached their highest peak since Ayudhya. King Rama II’s reign constituted a Golden Age of Literature and Arts. King Rama III can be aptly called the ‘Temple Builder King’. Being deeply religious the King constructed, expanded or repaired many temples. Altogether 19 new temples were built and over sixty were repaired or added to. Among the important temples constructed during the reign were Wat Thepthida, Wat Ratchanadda, Wat Chaloemphrakiat, Wat Prayurawong and Wat Kanlayanamit. Important additions were made to Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Saket, Wat Arun and Wat Yanawa, etc.

As with other forms of art in Siam during that period, literature also relied on patronage and printing, begun by the American missionaries in 1835. The King also supported religious literature and history. The King passed away on the 2nd of April, 1851. He was sixty-three years old and had been King for over twenty-five years. On his death bed King Rama III declared his refusal to appoint a successor from the princes and instead set up a special council to select, for the good of the country, the best man, whoever he might be, for the position of king.

When

Saturday, 23 April 2022

Leader

Khun Euayporn Kerdchouay, Senior Consultant of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Supanut
supanut@thesiamsociety.org

 

On this study trip, members will visit temples, some of which were built, repaired or added by King Rama III.

  1. Wat Ratchanadda
  2. Wat Mahanparam
  3. The Reclining Buddha Image at Wat Phra Chetupon
  4. Wat Kanlayanamit
  5. Wat Khrue Wan Woravihan
  6. Wat Prayurawong

The group will leave The Siam Society on Saturday, 23 April 2022 at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to return to the Society on the same day at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Booking

Important note:

– The Society requires all study trip participants to be fully vaccinated. We kindly ask that you attach appropriate proof(s) along with your registration.

– To comply with the measures set forth by the government in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to protect yourself and others around you, the Society kindly asks our participants to follow the appropriate safety and precautionary measures as stipulated by the government and health organisations.

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on the Society’s website and other online social media channels.

The contribution of THB 2,500 (THB 3,000 for non-members), will cover transportation, lunch, donation to the Society, gratuities, and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic travel insurance is included. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Alternatively, you can transfer the money to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7. Please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

For further information and bookings please contact Khun Prasert at Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 504 or Khun Supanut Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 506, Fax 02-258-3491 or email: supanut@thesiamsociety.org. The Society office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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