Wat Yai Chom Prasat: Exploring Thailand’s 400-Year-Old Ayutthaya Temple

Wat Yai Chom Prasat (วัดใหญ่จอมปราสาท) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Tha Chin, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand.

• History: Presumed to have been built during the Ayutthaya era (approximately 400 years ago), possibly during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat.

King Maha Chakkraphat (also spelled Maha Chakraphat, Thai: สมเด็จพระมหาจักรพรรดิ) was a significant ruler of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in Thailand, reigning from 1548 to 1569. His reign was marked by intense military conflicts, particularly with the Burmese, and internal political challenges.

It was registered as a national ancient monument by the Fine Arts Department on September 27, 1936. During King Rama V’s reign, it was named Wat Yai Sakorn Buri and elevated to a royal temple.

• Architectural Features:

• The temple showcases a blend of historical and renovated elements. The Viharn (sermon hall) retains its original Ayutthaya-era brick structure, left undecorated, giving it a rustic charm. The Ubosot (ordination hall) has been reconstructed, featuring a curved base and two eastern-facing doors with prominent lambrequins.

• Intricately carved doors and windows with floral designs, some incorporating Chinese artistic influences, are a highlight of both the old and new chapels.

• Cultural Significance: Once an important temple, it remains a significant historical site in Samut Sakhon, reflecting a fusion of Thai and Chinese artistic styles due to the region’s historical Chinese population. It is part of the Theravada Buddhist tradition practiced locally.

• Recent News: In 2025, the temple was involved in a financial controversy where the former abbot, Phra Maha Thiwakon, was arrested for embezzling over 1 million baht, transferred to a laywoman. An investigation into the temple’s financial management was conducted by the Anti-Corruption Division and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission.

This is a hidden gem about an hour outside of Bangkok. It’s a great example of Ayutthaya architecture and worth a visit to see.

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