Wat Thong Thua, located in Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, is an important historical and cultural tourist destination. It serves as a center for learning about ancient sites, artifacts, and local history. The temple also houses the Muang Peniad Museum, which preserves and exhibits historical objects and information from the region.

 

Originally, Wat Thong Thua was known as Peniad Temple, situated approximately 500 meters southeast of the current site. Over time, the original temple fell into ruin. It was later relocated to its present location and renamed Wat Thong Thua, inspired by the legend of Nang Kawai. Official records from the Department of Religious Affairs recognize Wat Thong Thua as a complete temple, established under the Sangha Administration Act, R.S. 121. The temple was founded in 1767 and received the royal Sangha boundary (Wisungkhamasima) in 1775, indicating its historical significance and suggesting it may have once been a royal temple. Evidence includes paired boundary stones surrounding the ordination hall, a feature typically granted to royal temples during the Thonburi period.

 

Historical records from the reign of King Rama V note that Wat Thong Thua was one of five temples selected to establish state schools due to its proximity to local communities and the support of both monks and laypeople for education. From early times, the temple offered basic instruction in reading and writing, allowing it to grow and flourish under successive abbots. Some of these abbots served as deputy district abbots, reflecting the temple's enduring importance in the community.

 

The main ordination hall (Ubosot) retains architectural elements from the late Ayutthaya period, although renovations over the years have introduced modern styles while preserving some original features. Each abbot has contributed to restoration efforts, including roof repairs, painting, and modifications to the gables, while retaining certain historical elements.

 

The paired boundary stones (Bai Sima) surrounding the ordination hall mark the sacred area where monks perform religious ceremonies. Their presence indicates royal patronage or endorsement from the local governor, a privilege reserved for temples of high status. The stones display unique artistic features, including seated deities holding lotus flowers, reflecting either Srivijaya-style or late Ayutthaya-inspired art.

 

Inside the ordination hall, the principal Buddha image remains the original, undisturbed since its creation. Renovations in 1928 corrected the tilt of the statue, revealing base decorations known as “Lai Pha Thip.” During restoration, numerous relics, including metal and gilded ceremonial finials, elephant tusk containers, and inscribed gold leaves, were discovered. Some relics were brought by Phraya Chanthaburi from King Taksin’s era, though portions of these treasures have been lost over time. Today, the temple allows devotees to venerate the relics of Luang Pho Thong and explore the Muang Peniad Museum.

 

The temple grounds also feature two Lanna-style chedis, reflecting Ayutthaya-period architectural preferences. These chedis, approximately 200 years old, exhibit intricate craftsmanship and are considered key historical landmarks, highlighting Wat Thong Thua’s long-standing prosperity.

 

Wat Thong Thua is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical and cultural site. It preserves Ayutthaya- and Thonburi-era architectural styles, sacred relics, and artifacts, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the religious and cultural heritage of Chanthaburi Province.