Wat Khlong Ruea is a temple located in a quiet local community, yet it holds significant religious and architectural importance. Within the temple grounds, there are several large Buddha statues in various postures, which can be seen clearly from a distance. The most prominent is the main Buddha statue, known as “Somdet Phra Boromlokchet Wisutthiya Sattathevamanussanang,” a Buddha in the Mara Vichaya posture, built in the Sukhothai art style. The statue was constructed with brick and plaster and coated with gold paint. Although much of the gold paint has worn away over time and some areas show cracks in the plaster, the beauty and sacredness of the statue remain evident, earning respect and reverence from visitors.

 

The construction of the main Buddha statue and other architectural features within the temple was initiated during the tenure of Luang Pho Thawee Papatthasaro, the first abbot of the temple. According to local nuns, Luang Pho Thawee was a skilled craftsman from Sukhothai Province. After ordination, he devoted himself to nurturing and constructing numerous Sukhothai-style architectural features within the temple, including Buddha statues in various postures, pavilions, and chedis, reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and deep religious devotion.

 

After Luang Pho Thawee passed away, the temple faced difficulties in continuing maintenance and construction, leading to the gradual deterioration of the Buddha statues and other structures. The main Buddha statue and other statues now show peeling gold paint and cracks in the plaster. These signs of aging not only reflect the passage of time but also highlight the importance of preserving Thai art and culture, of which Wat Khlong Ruea is an essential repository.

 

Thus, Wat Khlong Ruea serves not only as a place of worship for the local community but also as a center for learning and appreciating ancient Thai art from the Sukhothai period. Visitors can experience peace, sacredness, and cultural value through the Buddha statues and temple architecture. Despite the visible wear and tear, the artistry and beauty of the Sukhothai style created by Luang Pho Thawee remain a lasting cultural legacy.

 

Visiting Wat Khlong Ruea allows visitors to observe the large Buddha statues and ancient architecture up close. Besides paying respects, those interested in art and history can study and photograph the temple as part of cultural exploration. The temple thus functions as both a spiritual center and a cultural tourism site worthy of visiting. Preserving the temple and its Buddha statues is essential so future generations can continue to admire and learn from the beauty and cultural value of Sukhothai art.

 

For those seeking a place that combines faith, tranquility, and artistic beauty, Wat Khlong Ruea is an ideal choice. The main Buddha statue and other figures not only serve as a focal point of local reverence but also reflect Luang Pho Thawee’s skill and dedication in creating Sukhothai-style architecture that endures to the present. Although time and the peeling gold paint have left their marks, the artistry and cultural significance remain clear, offering an educational and inspiring experience for all visitors.