History of Ayutthaya - Temples & Ruins

WAT CHONG LOM 2 (วัดช่องลม)

Wat Chong Lom (1) was situated off the city island in the northern area of Ayutthaya in
Phukhao Thong sub-district. The monastery stood on the east bank
of Maenam Ban Pom (2), the present Chao Phraya River and south of Khlong Maha
Nak. The temple stood south east of Wat Chang Thong, on the edge of the Phukhao
Thong Plains.

In situ are the remains of a wall of the former monastery as some other brick work
spread over the area.

The remaining wall is situated between houses and still shows some stucco work.

Wat Chong Lom figures in the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya. It was in the vicinity of this
monastery (3) that Prince Naresuan and his brother Prince Ekathotsarot, set up an army
camp after having attacked the rear guard of the retreating forces of the Burmese Maha
Uparat at Bang Kradan. Forces were gathered here starting on Wednesday, the first day
of the waxing moon of the month of July 1586. Big guns were lowered and fixed into
junks and after a week of preparation Prince Naresuan attacked the camp of the King of
Hongsawadi set up in the fields north of Ayutthaya. The Burmese camp was so heavily
bombarded, that the King of Hongsawadi had to break up his camp and ordered
a retreat towards Pa Mok. [1] [2]

On Wednesday, the first day of the waxing moon of the seventh month, the Kings
proceeded forth to establish their victory army in the vicinity of Chòng Lom
Monastery.

Historical data about the monastery and its construction is unknown.

Wat Chong Lom is indicated on Phraya Boran Rachathanin's map drafted in 1926 and
features on 1974, 1993 and 2005 Foreign Arts Department (FAD) maps. The ruin is
situated in Geo Coord: +14° 21' 43.48" N, +100° 32' 26.31" E.

Footnotes:

(1) ช่องลม - vent.
(2) Denomination from Phraya Boran Rachathanin's map - in fact a canal leading to the
old Chao Phraya River via the Maha Phram canal. The old Chao Phraya is at present the
Noi River. See the essay: Ayutthaya's ever-changing waterways.
(3) Some Chronicles have Wat Det instead of Wat Chong Lom.

References:

[1] The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya - Richard D. Cushman (2006) - page 117 /
Source: Phan Canthanumat, British Museum, Reverend Phonnarat, Phra
Cakkraphatdiphong & Royal Autograph.
[2] Our Wars with the Burmese - Prince Damrong Rajanubhab (re-edited 2001) - White
Lotus, Bangkok - page 114-115.