Pho Khun Si Indrathit Monument is located at Wat Khung Wari in Yan Yao Subdistrict, Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province. As of 2025, the monument is 48 years old, having been established in 1974 to honor King Sri Indraditya, the first monarch of the Phra Ruang dynasty and the founder of the Sukhothai Kingdom. He is regarded as the progenitor of the dynasty and the founding king of the Thai kingdom, renowned for his remarkable contributions to the Thai people.

 

Historical and geographical evidence indicates that the area around Wat Khung Wari held strategic importance. At the time, King Sri Indraditya, also known as King Bang Klang Hao, led his army to camp in this location before launching an assault on Khom Samad Kholon Lamphong, who then ruled Sukhothai alongside King Pha Mueang, ruler of Rad City. Using Si Satchanalai and Bang Khlang as military bases, they successfully overpowered Khom Samad Kholon Lamphong and captured Sukhothai.

 

Following the victory, King Pha Mueang arranged the marriage of King Bang Klang Hao with Nang Sueang, his sister, and recognized him as the ruler of Sukhothai around 1238 CE (B.E. 1781). This marked the official establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Sri Indraditya had three sons and two daughters. His eldest son passed away in childhood, while the second and third sons were King Bang Ban Muang and King Ramkhamhaeng, respectively, the latter being one of Thailand’s most celebrated monarchs.

 

The Pho Khun Si Indrathit Monument was created in 1974 by the Fine Arts Department and is enshrined at Wat Khung Wari to commemorate and honor King Sri Indraditya. Every year, a ceremonial tribute is held on January 15–16 to worship and pay respects to his spirit, attracting both locals and visitors who revere the founding king.

 

The monument depicts King Sri Indraditya standing upright, facing forward. His right hand holds a bow while the left hand grasps an arrow, with a sword and quiver of arrows slung across his back. Cast in dark metal, the statue stands on a high pedestal with ceremonial offerings placed nearby, symbolizing the king’s strength, warrior spirit, and sacred presence.

 

Remarkable events are associated with the monument’s installation. On April 14, 1974, at 5:30 a.m., during the transportation of the statue in Bangkok, it began to rain unexpectedly, despite clear and hot weather the previous day. When the convoy reached Kamphaeng Phet Province, the vehicle carrying the statue began to swerve uncontrollably, forcing a stop. Phra Kru Prasat Phutthikun, the former abbot, performed a ritual to ensure the safe passage of the statue to Sukhothai.

 

Upon arrival in Sukhothai, all 23 vehicles in the convoy experienced engine failure. Phra Kru Prasat Phutthikun performed another ritual, after which the convoy ceremonially circled the Phra Mae Ya shrine and offered prayers. On April 15, at 10:00 a.m., the committee attempted to place the statue on its pedestal using a lift. Initially, three corners fit while one corner did not, causing the workers to take a break. When they returned, they found the statue had settled perfectly on the pedestal, astonishing the committee.

 

Another extraordinary occurrence involved a committee member of the Sukhothai Red Cross, the owner of Sunisa Beauty School. While returning home from a Red Cross event at 9:00 p.m., he hired a three-wheeled taxi, but the driver became uncontrollable and claimed that the province had neglected to pay homage to King Sri Indraditya, only honoring Nang Sueang and King Ramkhamhaeng. He requested that the proper worship ceremony be performed. That evening, the Red Cross committee and locals conducted a ritual at Wat Khung Wari, even though none of them had previously seen the monument. This incident reinforced the belief in the sacred presence and enduring influence of King Sri Indraditya’s spirit.

 

The Pho Khun Si Indrathit Monument thus serves not only as a historical symbol but also as a focal point of local devotion. It continues to inspire respect and reverence among the people of Sawankhalok and Thai citizens in general, with the annual ceremonial tribute maintaining its cultural significance and preserving the legacy of the founding monarch.