| WAT KHOK KAEW |
Wat Khok Kaew or the "Monastery of the Crystal Mound" is a ruin located off the
main island in the Southeast sector. It is one of the southernmost monasteries on a 1993
map. The nearest landmark would be the Japanese village. Wat Khok Kaew was
remotely located along rice fields. It would have been accessible via Chao Phraya River
of Khlong Rong Wari.
In situ is large unidentifiable brick structure. An enormous Bodhi tree has grown entirely
over it, appearing to swallow it like a giant squid. There is a basic foundation remaining
and possibly a chedi. However, the Bodhi tree engulfs most of the ruin’s remains, leaving
a clump of collapsed bricks. A modern Buddha image in the Taming Mara pose has
been placed on site, which serves as part of a shrine for offerings.
The history of Wat Khok Kaew and its construction date is unknown. It is not clear what
purpose it served in this remote location.
Locals have told me that a ghost lives in this tree. I was warned not to disturb it.
Nevertheless a countryside road passes directly beside the former monastery, and traffic
may become a future issue.
main island in the Southeast sector. It is one of the southernmost monasteries on a 1993
map. The nearest landmark would be the Japanese village. Wat Khok Kaew was
remotely located along rice fields. It would have been accessible via Chao Phraya River
of Khlong Rong Wari.
In situ is large unidentifiable brick structure. An enormous Bodhi tree has grown entirely
over it, appearing to swallow it like a giant squid. There is a basic foundation remaining
and possibly a chedi. However, the Bodhi tree engulfs most of the ruin’s remains, leaving
a clump of collapsed bricks. A modern Buddha image in the Taming Mara pose has
been placed on site, which serves as part of a shrine for offerings.
The history of Wat Khok Kaew and its construction date is unknown. It is not clear what
purpose it served in this remote location.
Locals have told me that a ghost lives in this tree. I was warned not to disturb it.
Nevertheless a countryside road passes directly beside the former monastery, and traffic
may become a future issue.
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| Text & photographs by Ken May - April 2009 |
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