Mueang Boran Ban Karung

Mueang Boran Ban Karung is located in Wang Hin Subdistrict and stands as an important ancient settlement reflecting the historical heritage of Uthai Thani Province. The city has a unique oval-circular layout, with a diameter of approximately 800 meters, and is surrounded by a single-layer moat. The moat measures 20 meters in width and 3 meters in depth, and it has recently been dredged along the roadside, maintaining water throughout the year. The surrounding earthen embankment is about 6 meters wide, demonstrating the ancient city’s defensive design and water management system.

 

Archaeological excavations at Mueang Ban Karung have uncovered significant historical artifacts that provide insight into the life and beliefs of its past inhabitants. These include stone bells, Buddha statues in the posture of descending from Tavatimsa heaven, fragments of pottery, stone axes, jewelry, and the remains of a brick pagoda located approximately 3 kilometers south of the city center. The pagoda is constructed from large baked clay bricks with a base width of about 7 meters, reflecting the architectural techniques and religious practices of the era.

 

Today, the area in front of the city moat hosts the Chao Mae Karung Shrine along the main highway, a place of worship and reverence for the local community. This highlights the continuity of spiritual and cultural significance from the past to the present. Mueang Ban Karung was officially registered as a historical site on March 8, 1935, ensuring the preservation and protection of its historical value for future generations.

 

Traveling to Mueang Ban Karung is convenient via Highway 333, connecting Nong Chang to Ban Rai. Visitors can pass through Ban Thung Na and take the Khao Taphap branch road to reach Ban Karung, about 10 kilometers before Ban Rai District. The city is situated along a curve on the left side of the road, with the Chao Mae Karung Shrine prominently visible as a landmark. From Uthai Thani city, the site is approximately 69 kilometers away, making it easily accessible for those interested in exploring Thailand’s ancient civilizations and cultural heritage.

 

Mueang Boran Ban Karung not only offers a glimpse into the lives of ancient communities through its well-preserved moat, earthen walls, and archaeological artifacts, but it also serves as an example of the integration of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. The site is a valuable destination for travelers, researchers, and history enthusiasts who wish to understand the evolution of Thai settlements, religious practices, and architectural styles over the centuries.