Gplace > Thailand > Uthai Thani > Mueang Uthai Thani > Thammakhosok Temple

“The murals inside the Ordination Hall (Ubosot), believed to be the work of late Ayutthaya-style masters. They depict the Life of Buddha and the "Thep Chumnum" (Gathering of Angels) with extraordinary detail and grace.”

Thammakhosok Temple, locally known as “Wat Rong Kho”, is a temple of great historical significance in Uthai Thani. The local name originates from the temple’s former role as a gathering area for cattle, where herds were assembled before being driven to Bangkok for trade. This reflects how the temple was not only a religious center, but also closely connected to the economic activities and daily life of the community in the past. The temple was established around B.E. 2325 (1782), a period when the city was undergoing reorganization and revival, making Wat Thammakhok an important spiritual and civic landmark from its earliest days.

Historically, Thammakhosok Temple served as the site for the ceremony of taking the oath of allegiance (Phithi Thu Nam Phiphat Sattaya) for officials of Uthai Thani. This sacred ritual required government officials to swear loyalty to the kingdom, underscoring the temple’s role as a center of spiritual authority and moral integrity. In addition to its ceremonial importance, the temple also carries a solemn and intense past, as it once functioned as an execution ground for prisoners. This dual role—both sacred and severe—imbues the temple with a deep sense of reverence and historical gravity that continues to be felt today.

The most remarkable feature that draws historians, artists, and visitors alike is the ubosot (ordination hall), which houses masterful examples of traditional Buddhist art. The interior walls are fully adorned with mural paintings executed in the classic Thai technique using mineral pigments mixed with natural binders. These murals depict key episodes from the Buddha’s life, notably the Descent from Tavatimsa Heaven and the Victory over Mara. Beyond their aesthetic beauty, the murals serve as visual teachings of Buddhist principles, conveying moral lessons through imagery. The refined lines, harmonious color palette, and balanced composition reveal strong influences from royal Rattanakosin artisans, skillfully blended with local craftsmanship, earning recognition as the finest mural paintings in Uthai Thani.

Above the main narrative scenes, the upper walls are decorated with images of assembled deities, interspersed with ceremonial fans (phat yot), arranged in an orderly and elegant manner. This composition enhances the sense of sanctity and grandeur within the ubosot, creating an immersive environment that invites contemplation and spiritual reflection. Standing within this space, visitors are surrounded by living heritage—art that continues to communicate devotion, belief, and cultural continuity.

Equally captivating is the viharn (assembly hall), which is elevated higher than the ubosot, giving it a commanding and graceful presence. The gable is intricately carved with the image of a three-headed elephant, symbolizing strength and auspiciousness. The wooden doors are elaborately carved with floral motifs and painted in vivid red, offering a striking contrast to the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds. Inside, approximately twenty ancient Buddha images are enshrined in orderly rows, radiating tranquility and reverence, and providing a calm space for worship and meditation.

Surrounding the sacred precinct are prangs and twelve-cornered chedis in the Rattanakosin style, standing in quiet succession. These structures contribute to the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the temple, reflecting its former prosperity and continued spiritual importance. Together, they form a cohesive architectural landscape that embodies the artistic and religious values of the era.

Despite its proximity to the local market area, Thammakhosok Temple maintains an atmosphere of remarkable peace and simplicity. Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors immediately sense the shade of large trees and the presence of time-worn wooden buildings and modest monks’ quarters that preserve their traditional form. The environment encourages stillness and introspection, allowing visitors to step back in time and connect deeply with the city’s past.

Thammakhosok Temple stands as a “hidden gem of Buddhist art” and a living record of Uthai Thani’s history. It is a place where faith, artistry, and powerful historical narratives coexist in harmony. A visit here is not merely a tour of a temple, but an encounter with the enduring spirit, cultural pride, and collective memory of the people of Uthai Thani.

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