Wat Phlu Yang

Wat Phlu Yang is located in Village 6, Ban Si Phaya Klang, Si Phaya Subdistrict, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province. The exact history of the temple is unclear, but according to local elders, the ordination hall has existed since the early Rattanakosin period. Inside the hall, there are mural paintings that depict local customs, traditions, and daily life of the people in the past, serving as valuable cultural records that deserve preservation.

 

A notable feature inside the hall is the exit doorway, where paintings of soldiers holding rifles guard both sides. These are believed to date back to the time when French troops invaded Chanthaburi. The placement of these soldier images reflects the importance of defense and security during that period. Moreover, the distance from the old ordination hall of Wat Phlu Yang to Nern Wong Camp is less than 5 kilometers, allowing for observation of enemy movements from afar. Nern Wong Camp was constructed in 1834 (B.E. 2377) using laterite stones found locally in Chanthaburi. The camp remains largely intact today, demonstrating the durability of the architecture and construction techniques of that era.

 

Wat Phlu Yang is thus an important historical and cultural learning site, offering insight not only through its artistic murals but also through its military history. The murals inside the ordination hall not only have artistic value but also reflect the way of life, beliefs, and customs of people in the early Rattanakosin period. Visiting Wat Phlu Yang provides an opportunity to learn about the city’s past up close while paying respect to sacred spaces. It inspires appreciation and care for the community’s cultural heritage.

 

Preserving Wat Phlu Yang and the surrounding historical sites is crucial. Beyond being a cultural tourism destination, it serves as a significant place for historical study and research. Maintaining the original condition of both the ordination hall and Nern Wong Camp ensures that stories from the past remain and can be passed on to future generations. As a result, Wat Phlu Yang is not only a spiritual center for the local community but also a vital historical learning site for both Thai and international visitors.

 

Wat Phlu Yang exemplifies the harmonious blend of art, faith, and history. Visiting the temple offers tranquility of mind while providing a deeper understanding of Thai customs and society from earlier times.