| WAT KAO (วัดเก่า) |
Wat Kao or the "Old Monastery" was situated on the city island in the central area of
Ayutthaya in Pratu Chai sub-district. The temple was located on the west bank of Khlong
Chakrai Yai (at present called Khlong Tho).
Wat Khun Phrom (no traces anymore) stood in the north, while Wat Pi Ray (no traces
anymore) was in the south. Opposite Khlong Chakrai Yai stood Wat Rak (no traces
anymore).
The ancient site was cleared in the early 1970's during construction works of an
expansion project of the (former) Ayutthaya Agriculture School (Withayalai
Kasetrakam). There are no traces of foundations or brick work anymore at ground level
and the temple is classified as disappeared. [1]
The site is mentioned on Phraya Boran Rachathanin's map drafted in 1926 and on the
1974 and 1993 Fine Arts Department maps. On a mid-19th century map the monastery
bears the name Wat Salak.
Historical data about the monastery and its construction is unknown.
References:
[1] Bangkok Post - 09 Dec 1972 - Work suspended on Ayutthaya sites. The article
states that “machinery engaged on the Ayutthaya Agriculture School extensions ploughed
up the ruins of at least five temples in the disputed area”. The work at the school was
stopped after students had sent a petition to the NEC. The Director General of the Fine
Arts Department at that time stated he was certain the damage had already been done.
Ayutthaya in Pratu Chai sub-district. The temple was located on the west bank of Khlong
Chakrai Yai (at present called Khlong Tho).
Wat Khun Phrom (no traces anymore) stood in the north, while Wat Pi Ray (no traces
anymore) was in the south. Opposite Khlong Chakrai Yai stood Wat Rak (no traces
anymore).
The ancient site was cleared in the early 1970's during construction works of an
expansion project of the (former) Ayutthaya Agriculture School (Withayalai
Kasetrakam). There are no traces of foundations or brick work anymore at ground level
and the temple is classified as disappeared. [1]
The site is mentioned on Phraya Boran Rachathanin's map drafted in 1926 and on the
1974 and 1993 Fine Arts Department maps. On a mid-19th century map the monastery
bears the name Wat Salak.
Historical data about the monastery and its construction is unknown.
References:
[1] Bangkok Post - 09 Dec 1972 - Work suspended on Ayutthaya sites. The article
states that “machinery engaged on the Ayutthaya Agriculture School extensions ploughed
up the ruins of at least five temples in the disputed area”. The work at the school was
stopped after students had sent a petition to the NEC. The Director General of the Fine
Arts Department at that time stated he was certain the damage had already been done.
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| Text & maps by Tricky Vandenberg - October 2009 Reviewed August 2011 |
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| (Extract of a begin-20th century map) |
| (Extract of a 1974 Fine Arts Department map) |
| (Extract of a 1993 Fine Arts Department map) |